Mel Kiper 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Luther Burden III to Cowboys, Ashton Jeanty to Broncos

Two of the most intriguing teams leading up to the 2025 NFL draft are the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos for very different reasons, but they do share some similar needs that could make their approaches in the first round interesting to follow.

In his latest mock, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. had the Cowboys passing on Boise State star Ashton Jeanty to select Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 12 pick.

Since Jeanty makes it past the Cowboys in this scenario, Kiper has him trading in one Broncos helmet for another by giving him to Denver at No. 20.

Jeanty has been frequently connected to the Cowboys in the first round, but Kiper argued Jerry Jones could try to fix the hole at running back in free agency and use a premium draft pick to add another premium playmaker.

The Cowboys desperately need another receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb. Jalen Tolbert actually led the team with seven touchdown catches this season, but he had nearly half as many yards (610) as Lamb (1,194).

Burden's numbers took a dive this season after he put up 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, but a lot of that can be attributed the Tigers' overall passing offense not being as effective. He finished with 676 yards, six touchdowns and earned All-SEC first-team honors for the second consecutive year.

Kiper praised Burden for having "valuable after-the-catch ability" and "explosive traits" to provide a strong second option in the passing game next to Lamb in Dallas.

If the Cowboys were to pass on Jeanty, Denver would make for an obvious landing spot. The Broncos didn't have any back run for more than 530 yards this season. Javonte Williams, who led the team in rushing yards, is set to become a free agent.

It's not common for running backs to be selected in the first round anymore. It has only happened four times since 2020, with two happening in the same year (Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023).

Jeanty seems almost certain to join that group after a historic season at Boise State. His 2,497 rushing yards are the second-most in a single season in FBS history, trailing only Barry Sanders' total in 1988 (2,628).

In addition to being a dynamic runner, Jeanty is also a good pass-catcher out of the backfield. He had 80 catches in three college seasons and put up 569 yards in 2023.

Adding Jeanty to a Broncos offense with Sean Payton calling plays and Bo Nix looking impressive as a rookie would make them very formidable in a loaded AFC next season.