Cowboys news: The Ashton Jeanty question is ever-present in discussion of the draft

Should the Dallas Cowboys take Ashton Jeanty in the NFL Draft? It’s complicated – David Moore, Dallas Morning News
Dallas sure loves their Boise State Broncos. Could they take Ashton Jeanty?
Brian Schottenheimer has consistently stressed the need for the Cowboys to run the ball since becoming the team’s head coach. Ashton Jeanty, who played his high school ball at Frisco Lone Star, has said “it would be dope” to wind up with Dallas. Brian Schottenheimer talks about the retirement of Zack MartinBrian Schottenheimer talks about the retirement of Zack Martin A match made in draft heaven? To be determined.
The Cowboys have the 12th pick in next month’s draft which could be the sweet spot for this union to take place. Remember, the franchise used its first round pick on running back Ezekiel Elliott nine years ago to transform its fortunes. For the sake of argument, focus on Elliott’s initial impact, not what he did once he got his extension or in his ill-fated reunion with the club.
Jeanty — if he’s still available when the Cowboys are on the clock — would have an immediate impact on this offense. But club officials believe this is the deepest running back class in the last six to eight years. Would Dallas be better served using a first round pick on a lineman (offensive or defensive), a receiver or a defensive back and coming back on Day Two to land a running back?
A decision hasn’t been reached. Those internal discussions will pick up steam once the club returns from the NFL scouting combine in the next few days. But the chance to add a back who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in his final season at Boise State, a player who won the Doak Walker and Maxwell awards while finishing second in the Heisman race, is intriguing.
Cowboys Fans Skeptical as Jerry Jones Makes New 5-Point Roster Promise -Landon Holifield, Athlon Sports
Are the Jones’ trying to tell us something with their approach to the offseason?
The evidence is that the Dallas Cowboys and their owner Jerry Jones are embracing a new team-building approach. Maybe. The evidence continues to add up toward a dramatic shift from years past, as the Dallas Cowboys seem to be making significant changes to their team-building approach. “Seem to,’’ we said.
The following five notable signals suggest that the Joneses are ready to prioritize winning over maintaining traditional methods (not to mention marketing). Are Cowboys fans skeptical. Indeed. And we’ve documented Dallas’ complacent nature in recent months. So we get it. But at least for now they are demonstrating newfound urgency to strengthen the roster and alter their overall mindset. Here are five key examples showcasing this hoped-for evolution:
1. Hiring from outside their circle: The Cowboys are broadening their hiring practices, bringing in fresh perspectives from outside their typical circle, signaling a willingness to embrace new strategies and ideas to elevate the team. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer deserves a ton of credit for spearheading this shift. He wasn’t content bringing in guys he was familiar with. Instead, it seems he chose the most qualified candidate.
2. Moving operations to Indianapolis: Unlike previous years, when the staff split up in multiple different places, coach Schottenheimer lead the charge for having everyone on site in Indiana. Once again, his idea, but as he also noted, credit to Jerry Jones for ponying up the dough to make it happen.
This shift reflects a commitment to enhancing their draft process and creating a more focused, intense environment for talent evaluation.
Dak Prescott gives promising injury update for Cowboys: ‘I’ll be ready for the first game’ – DallasCowboys.com
Quarterback Dak Prescott gives the fans good news about his return.
A tumultuous season, to say the very least, for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys is slowly beginning to bring about a new energy in the building as Brian Schottenheimer and his shiny new coaching staff put their fingerprints on this year’s NFL Combine and prepare for what might be a different approach from the team in free agency.
But, for Prescott, it’s an offseason headlined by his recovery from a season-ending hamstring injury suffered on Nov. 3, when his hamstring tore off of the bone in his attempt to will the Cowboys past the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9.
The All-Pro quarterback has since been on the mend from the devastating injury but, speaking from the Cowboys’ launch of the Girl’s Flag Football League at AT&T Stadium, he was moving well, in great spirits and says there is zero concern about his availability to begin the 2025 season.
“I’m not gonna put a timeline on it, but I’ll be ready for the first game and when anything matters and very, very ready,” the three-time Pro Bowler said. “I’m feeling good. I’m doing more and more. The last two weeks have been huge and progressive for me.”
He’s not cleared for full duty as of this moment, but he’s suffered no setbacks and requires no aid from any devices to move about. “I wouldn’t say I’m running full speed yet,” he added. “But everything’s on the right track, and I’m excited.”
2025 NFL free agency: Projecting one signing for every team – Aaron Schatz, ESPN
ESPN has Chiefs free agent LB Nick Bolton as the ideal free agency candidate for Dallas.
Soon-to-be free agent Eric Kendricks is 33 years old, so Dallas could use a significant, younger upgrade in the middle of its defense. They need a true 4-3 middle linebacker who can be a leader on and off the field. There’s no better candidate than two-time Super Bowl champion Bolton.
I don’t need to recite statistics here, although Bolton led the Chiefs by being involved in 13.3% of defensive plays this past season. Simply listen to what Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has said about Bolton. He told Sports Illustrated that Bolton was one of the most cerebral players he has coached and referred to him as the Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City’s defense.
CeeDee Lamb discusses Micah Parsons future, HC Brian Schottenheimer’s impact – Ali Jawad, Sports Illustrated
CeeDee Lamb speaks candidly on the state of the Cowboys.
Put the Micah Parsons trade rumors to rest. At least if you ask wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas Cowboys’ star play maker doesn’t mince words when talking about Parsons’ future in Dallas amid swirling speculation. “We’re definitely gonna retire together,” Lamb told DJ Siddiqi during a Sports Lens interview while representing BodyArmor. “That’s my quote: Micah’s going to be in a Dallas uniform.”
While Parsons approaches a potential mega-extension, with the defensive star entering the fifth year option of his rookie deal, Lamb brushed off concerns with the confidence that’s made him one of the NFL’s premier and highest paid receivers. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons rushes as Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
“That’s my guy — I got him, he’s got me. And I’ll never doubt it,” Lamb said of his relationship with Parsons. “I know it’s going to get a little tricky, a little wild, loud and messy. But at the end of the day, you know your worth.” The 25-year-old Lamb, two seasons ago led the NFL with 135 catches, spoke just as passionately about new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who’s stepping into his first head coaching gig following a 7-10 finish in 2024 and the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy.
“Very high energy guy,” Lamb said, his excitement evident. “We make a big play, he’s definitely there celebrating with you. Everyone loves a player’s coach.” What impressed Lamb most? Schottenheimer’s hands-on approach. “He’s always involved,” Lamb noted. “As much as your coach is involved in the team and understanding, the more we can connect, talk, and be on the same page. That’s one of the first things that was eye-popping.”