In recent NFL Draft projections, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, once considered a potential target for the Dallas Cowboys, is now anticipated to join the Las Vegas Raiders. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of draft strategies as teams reassess their priorities and roster needs.
Jeanty‘s collegiate career has been nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman in 2022, he accumulated 821 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, sharing duties with George Holani. His performance in the 2022 Frisco Bowl, where he rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown, highlighted his potential. The following season, Jeanty led Boise State with 1,347 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, and 569 receiving yards-the highest among running backs nationally-earning him the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award. In 2024, he set a school record with 267 rushing yards in a single game and concluded the season leading the FBS in yards from scrimmage and rushing yards. His accolades include the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and being a unanimous All-American.
Initially, the Dallas Cowboys were linked to Jeanty, given their need to bolster the running back position. However, recent mock drafts suggest a different trajectory. Pro Football Focus’s post-Combine mock draft projects Jeanty as the Raiders’ choice for the No. 6 overall pick, reflecting the team’s intent to enhance its offensive backfield.
Similarly, the New York Post’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 aligns with this prediction, indicating a growing consensus among analysts regarding Jeanty’s fit with the Raiders.
Cowboys could be looking elsewhere
This development suggests that the Cowboys may be exploring alternative options to address their offensive needs. The evolving draft landscape highlights the fluidity of team strategies as they adapt to new information and shifting priorities. For Jeanty, the Raiders present an opportunity to make an immediate impact, given their focus on strengthening the running game.
As the draft approaches, the anticipation builds around Jeanty‘s professional debut. His transition from collegiate success to the NFL will be closely watched, especially if he joins the Raiders, a team eager to revitalize its offense. For the Cowboys, the shift in draft projections necessitates a reevaluation of their strategy to ensure they effectively address their roster needs.
In conclusion, Jeanty’s projected move away from the Dallas Cowboys in the latest draft predictions proves the ever-changing nature of NFL draft strategies. His potential selection by the Las Vegas Raiders reflects the franchise’s optimistic new plans for the coming season.
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