Cowboys pass on Ashton Jeanty for Michigan star in 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are destined for another season picking higher in the NFL Draft order. Part of the reason for this decline, even when you consider the best efforts of Rico Dowdle and the injuries to Dak Prescott, is the fact the running game is starting to take a major step in the wrong direction.

The Cowboys are in perfect position to take one of the best running back prospects in some time by adding Boise State Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty. Having already advocated for the Cowboys to draft him, Jeanty and his almost record-breaking year has been an attractive target for Dallas.

However, with how thin the Cowboys are on the defensive line and in the secondary, Dallas might be better off following this NFL Draft blueprint in 2025. In this way of thinking, the Cowboys would pass on Jeanty, take a running back later on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, and build the deepest roster possible.

Dallas Cowboys 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft without Ashton Jeanty

Round 1, Pick 12: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Cowboys need to learn to scout the player, not the helmet. Another run-stuffing Michigan defensive tackle might not be what fans want to see after the whole Mazi Smith mess, but Grant may be more than just an athletic toolbox. His size and power can be overwhelming.

While often overshadowed by Mason Graham, Grant is making a name for himself as a quality run-stuffer. With surprising quickness off the snap, he will be more than just a space-eater in the pros.

Round 2, Pick 43: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Dallas' secondary needs one more impact player, as this beat-up unit has been ripped apart with alarming regularity in 2024. Why not stay local? Barron has been rising up the charts in a cornerback class that is falling off talent-wise after top names like Travis Hunter and Will Johnson.

Barron was used in multiple defensive alignments, and he had success in all of them. A hard-hitting DB who makes plays in run support and has shown to have a nose for the football this season, Barron can overcome his lack of great speed and earn a starting role fairly early on.

Round 3, Pick 74: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

This running back class is so deep that the Cowboys can draft someone who could end up unseating Dowdle on Day 2. With the decline of players like Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson, Sampson could rise up to fill the void.

Not only does Sampson possess legitimate 4.35 speed that makes him a home-run hitting threat Dowdle isn't at this stage of his career, but he managed to run for 22 touchdowns in a pass-happy offense. Adjusting to professional offenses will be key in determining how high his ceiling is.

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