FRISCO - The Ashton Jeanty and Dallas Cowboys connections go back longer than those of any prospect or team in the 2025 NFL Draft. One could argue they date back to Jeanty's high school days when the Frisco native played games at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.
But the real connections have heated up since the end of the college football season and the early draft projections began. The Cowboys looked to be in need of a running back and Jeanty made for a seamless fit.
Things have ramped up since Jeanty got vocal about his desired landing spot. He has made it perfectly clear he wants a homecoming and wants to be the next Cowboys running back.
In recent months however, the buzz has simmered down on that connection. But not on Jeanty who could come off the board as early as the No. 6 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.
What does that mean for the Cowboys? Dallas has other existing needs on the roster that will present options for them at the No. 12 pick. But if they are locked in on Jeanty, would it be worthwhile to trade back for extra value?
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter believes that strategy is worth consideration and the Denver Broncos could be the perfect partner. His projection has Dallas trading No. 12 and a fifth rounder to the Broncos for their first and second-round pick.
"The Cowboys could move down for the third time in five years if running back Ashton Jeanty is not available when Dallas is on the clock at No. 12 overall.
"The Cowboys could stand pat and pick [Matthew] Golden or [Tetairoa] McMillan at 12, too, but a mid-second-round selection may be enough to induce a drop down the board."
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There's two alternatives to consider here. The draft class is deep enough at Dallas' positions of need that trading back and netting extra value gives them the opportunity to still grab a player high on their board while netting an extra pick of value in the process.
Conversely, the team specific needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver could be addressed with a player at the very top of the position rankings. Passing on those opportunities could raise some questions down the line.
Regardless, the Jeanty hype stemming from the teams picking ahead of them has given the Cowboys the time and ability to explore alternatives plans of attack for the draft. Whether that results in a trade or them landing another target at No. 12, they will need to be successful in their execution.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 8:23 AM.