Brett's Cowboys Corner

As the NFL Combine is underway, teams begin meeting with players and finding out more about potential draft picks. This week Ashton Jeanty announced that he would not be participating in the physical drills at this year’s combine, instead just attending interviews and medical evaluations.

This practice is becoming more and more popular, players that have nothing else to prove will skip out on the injury risk or a potential poor performance. Caleb Williams last year skipped the throwing drills and was still the first overall pick, it doesn’t hurt draft stock, though some old school scouts would like to see every possible rep before making the selection.

For Ashton Jeanty, there isn’t anything he can gain from the combine, as the position he plays makes him a polarizing decision on draft day.

The Value of the Running Back

Fans and NFL front offices agree on the risk of using such high capital, like a first round draft pick, on a RB.

The lack of longevity at the position makes people question whether or not they should invest in a RB that early. A good RB may only give you 2-3 years of production, as their job is so physically demanding, they tend to wear down quickly.

Usually after their rookie deal, they get a big pay day and never really live up to that standard. Teams have also found great value, finding productive backs in later rounds of the draft.

Though a RB revolution might be underway, as teams saw the success that Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs brought to their teams in 2024.

Every once in a while, a guy like Ashton Jeanty comes around. Jeanty is more than just a RB, he is a game changer. Last year he came up just short of beating Barry Sanders NCAA rushing record. Jeanty has dominated on the field, and can make an instant impact on the field.

He could go anywhere in the first round.

Here’s 5 likely landing spots –

Pick 6: Las Vegas Raiders

This rumor has been gaining more and more traction as of recent. Questions concerning that the Raiders will go on the clock at pick 6 and the top QBs are wiped out.

Recently Mel Kiper posted his latest mock draft, where he had Vegas taking Jeanty. This is meaningful, as Kiper’s mock drafts aren’t necessarily based on players talents but more based on real conversations he’s had with team’s front offices.

When you are picking that high in the draft, you want a ‘sure thing’ and to many scouts, Jeanty is one of the few sure things in this draft filled with question marks.

In this scenario, the Raiders decided to go with a veteran QB instead of taking a chance at Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward being available. The problem for the Raiders, is they can’t wait until draft night to see as free agency begins a month prior to the draft.

For whatever QB they end up going with, Ashton Jeanty will take a lot of pressure off them.

Pick 10: Chicago Bears

The Bears announced that they have a formal meeting scheduled with Jeanty this week, and have made comments about taking the best available player at 10.

With new head coach Ben Johnson, we can look at his time in Detroit and it is made clear how he values of the RB position. The Lions spent the 12th pick drafting Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023 and acquired David Montgomery in free agency, creating one of the NFL’s top RB duos.

Jeanty would take a lot of pressure off Caleb Williams, but the only thing holding back this pick. The Bears need protection from Williams and for Jeanty. They will have to make moves to improve their offensive line.

They may decide to do that in the draft, although this is not a top heavy offensive line class.

Pick 12: Dallas Cowboys

Jeanty to Dallas has been the rumored pick since the beginning of this draft process. Even Ashton Jeanty himself said it would be special to play for Dallas, his hometown team.

Jeanty grew up in Frisco, Texas, playing for Lone Star High School, he is used to having the star on his helmet.

The Cowboys have a need for another offensive playmaker to support Ceedee Lamb.

In 2024, the Cowboys had a lack luster rushing attack, until Rico Dowdle caught a groove late in the season. Stephen Jones said that the late season success was attributed to becoming more dedicated to the run late in the year…but I would argue it helped when Dallas stopped rotating a washed runner out there.

Regardless, Dowdle is a free agent and needs a new contract. The current RB room is Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. You need a runner.

Would resigning Rico be enough?

Or do you need a difference maker to support Dak.

Pick 20: Denver Broncos

The success of rookie QB Bo Nix helped the Broncos make a surprise playoff push in 2024.

The NFL works in mysterious ways, you never know when your window will open or how quickly it will close. The Broncos need to make quick efforts to build a team and make a run with Bo Nix.

The running game held them back last year, and now they will likely be losing Javonte Williams in free agency.

In this scenario, Jeanty falls down the draft likely because of the position. Becoming a clear pick for Denver. This is a team with a clear need for RB, and they will be surprised if Jeanty falls but they will be prepared.

The Broncos announced they are interviewing with Jeanty this week, just in case this scenario comes true.

Pick 21: Pittsburgh Steelers

One pick later, if the Broncos go a different direction, I don’t see a reason for the Steelers to pass on Jeanty.

They are dealing with the decision to resign Najee Harris, something I don’t believe will end up happening. They can look to the draft to find a new running back, but Jeanty being here is a clear pick.

The focus of the Steelers free agency will be figuring out the QB position, Russ or Fields?