As the 2024 college football season heads into its final stretch, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has become one of the most talked-about players in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. With 2,062 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 275 carries, Jeanty is leading the charge for the No. 11 Broncos, keeping them firmly in the College Football Playoff race. His breakout season has made him a staple in first-round mock drafts, but despite his eye-popping stats, it looks like the Dallas Cowboys might not be the team to take him.
In Athlon Sports’ most recent first-round mock draft, analyst Luke Easterling predicted that the Cowboys, who rank as the NFL’s second-worst rushing team, would opt to pass on Jeanty with the No. 9 overall pick. Instead, Easterling suggests that Dallas will turn its attention to a defensive star from Michigan: defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Why the Cowboys Will Pass on Jeanty
For many fans, passing on Jeanty could be a tough pill to swallow. The Cowboys’ rushing attack has been one of their weakest links in 2024, averaging just 82.5 yards per game. Despite the presence of veterans like Ezekiel Elliott and emerging talent in Rico Dowdle, the team has struggled to get consistent production on the ground.
However, according to Easterling, the Cowboys are more likely to address their defensive needs, particularly their run defense, with their top pick. “Dallas fans are likely to groan at this pick, but only because they know how on-brand it would be,” Easterling writes. “They desperately need a difference-maker at running back, but would they really spend a top-10 pick on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty?”
Michigan’s Mason Graham: The Pick for Dallas?
Instead of Jeanty, Easterling forecasts that the Cowboys will select Michigan’s Mason Graham to help strengthen their defensive front. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman has been a force for the Wolverines in 2024, already setting career highs with 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Graham’s ability to disrupt the run game and pressure opposing quarterbacks makes him a perfect fit for a Cowboys defense that needs to improve both in stopping the run and getting to the quarterback.
Despite taking Michigan’s Mazi Smith in the first round last year, the Cowboys have a history of selecting players from the Wolverines. Adding another defensive lineman like Graham would provide a dynamic, youth-driven upgrade to a defensive line that already boasts star power in Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Given the Cowboys’ defensive needs and Jerry Jones’ affinity for Michigan players, Graham could be the choice that makes the most sense for Dallas.
The Case for Jeanty
While Jeanty might not be the Cowboys’ pick at No. 9, there’s no denying his potential as one of the top running backs in the 2025 draft. His combination of size, speed, and vision makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add a playmaker to their backfield. And while the Cowboys have historically invested high draft picks in running backs—such as drafting Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick in 2016 and Felix Jones in 2008—there’s also the reality that Jerry Jones may prioritize a player who can immediately impact the defense, especially with a top-10 selection.
Conclusion: Will Dallas Go Defensive Again?
As Jeanty continues to shine at Boise State, the likelihood of him being drafted by Dallas appears slimmer, despite the team’s struggles in the running game. Instead, the Cowboys are expected to focus on addressing their defensive weaknesses, with Mason Graham emerging as a strong candidate for the No. 9 pick.
In the end, it all comes down to what the Cowboys believe is the best move for their long-term success. If they think they can shore up their defense with Graham, they might be willing to take a pass on Jeanty—at least for now. However, as the draft approaches, the decision on which direction Dallas goes will have major ramifications on the team’s future.
