The Dallas Cowboys may have made a couple of offseason additions to their backfield, but they’ve done little to settle their long-term future at the position. Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams were decent pickups, but neither is under contract beyond this season, and neither projects as the every-down star the Cowboys have been missing since Ezekiel Elliott’s heyday.
Dallas’ need for a true RB1 is an open secret, and their silence on Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty is almost too loud to ignore.
Henderson tested like a star, but that’s not the whole story
TreVeyon Henderson exploded at the 2025 NFL Combine, delivering one of the most athletic showings by any running back this year. His 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical, and 10-foot-8 broad jump led the pack in raw explosiveness. Most analysts have labeled him the most athletic RB in the class, and for good reason.
However, when you factor in Relative Athletic Score (RAS), which adjusts for a player’s size, Henderson drops to the 94th percentile due to his smaller frame. That’s still elite, but not quite untouchable. In contrast, Quinshon Judkins and Omarion Hampton, both of whom have had official visits with Dallas, tested in the 98th and 99th percentiles, offering more power in larger bodies.
Jeanty might be the real plan all along
Then there’s Ashton Jeanty. He didn’t test at the Combine, and the Cowboys haven’t made much public noise about him. But that silence? It’s suspicious. Jeanty is a complete back, strong in pass protection, fluid as a receiver, and physical between the tackles. He’s the kind of player who checks every box offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has outlined in recent months.
Day two could be decision day
Dallas may not make their move in the first round, but don’t be surprised if a running back is the first name off their board on day two. Whether it’s Henderson’s speed, Judkins’ power, or Jeanty’s all-around versatility, the Cowboys look determined to finally land their next franchise runner.
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