The Dallas Cowboys may have had a 1,000-yard rusher last year in Rico Dowdle, but his very inconsistent play and low ceiling has made running back one of the top areas of need for a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer that is committed to a strong ground game.
Due to his past affinity for the Cowboys and his status as an elite running back prospect after a near-record-setting final college season, Boise State star Ashton Jeanty has been projected as a player who could instantly come to Dallas and provide Dak Prescott with his best running game in years.
If Jeanty is either not available when Dallas picks, or if Jerry Jones decides that other areas are of greater importance, the Cowboys should not hesitate to use one of their Day 2 picks on a running back. These three players could be very productive, even if they lack Jeanty's hype.
3 running backs not named Ashton Jeanty Cowboys must target in 2025 NFL Draft
3. Devin Neal, Kansas
If the Cowboys value consistency in any running back they draft, Neal could be the best third or fourth round target for Jones and Will McClay. Neal has run for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons and piled up exctly 16 rushing touchdowns in his last two campaigns with the Jayhawks.
Neal's lack of great receiving skill and long speed when he is listed at just a tick over 210 pounds might scare some teams away, but the Cowboys could be brought back to his side thanks to his versatility, elusiveness, and silky style.
2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
The Cowboys have had success with Ohio State backs in the past, and the Buckeyes gave them two players to pick from this year in Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. While Judkins is the more powerful, aggressive runner, Henderson is a smoother runner who has more big play potential.
Henderson has home-run potential, tremendous explosion, and more power than he is often given credit for. As a rookie, he won't be a very effective receiver or blocker, but the Cowboys should feel more than confident in picking him as they try to gradually improve those traits.
1. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
While he doesn't profile as the type of player who is going to sledgehammer opponents into submission with pure power, Hampton should end up handling a steady workload in the pros and consistently ending up as a 1,000-yard rusher with any team who runs a gap scheme.
Like Neal, Hampton isn't going to win any 100 meter dashes anytime soon. Where he stands out is his exceptional vision, skill at breaking tackles, and consistency. Hampton is the best running back in this class not named Jeanty, which could make him a perfect target for a team like Dallas.