DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys set to make a splash: Will Ashton Jeanty be their first-round pick and solution at running back?

The Frisco native eager to the Dallas Cowboys

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.LAPRESSE

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a critical offseason, with a new coaching staff in place and several roster holes to address. Among the key priorities is the running back position, which was largely overlooked last year but is expected to take center stage in Brian Schottenheimer's ground-game-heavy offensive scheme. With the NFL Draft looming, all eyes are on Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back prospect who has made his preference for a Cowboys homecoming abundantly clear.

Jeanty, a native of Frisco, Texas, and a former star at Lonestar High School, has been vocal about his desire to return to his roots. In a recent interview with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, Jeanty left no doubt about where he envisions his future. When asked where he'd like to live and play football, he responded, "I was just there a few years ago playing high school football...in [the] Ford Center, up there in Frisco, Texas... to be back in Dallas practicing in that facility again, playing in that facility again, that would be amazing."

Jerry Jones loves Spain! The Cowboys ' owner gives excusive words for MARCA

The Cowboys, holding the No. 12 pick in the draft, are undoubtedly taking notice of Jeanty's enthusiasm. While he hasn't issued any ultimatums or discouraged other teams from drafting him, his comments are clear signals that he's eager to don the star on his helmet. His campaign for a homecoming has sparked comparisons to Micah Parsons' pre-draft excitement for ing the Cowboys, making it hard for Dallas to overlook the potential match.

Ashton Jeanty hints at dream return to Dallas

With a deep draft class at running back, Dallas has options. But Jeanty's combination of talent and ion for the franchise could make him the ideal choice. Selecting a running back early would not only address a pressing need but also signal a "win now" approach under the new coaching regime.

The decision won't be easy, as several top-tier talents will likely be available at No. 12. However, Jeanty's unique connection to the Cowboys adds an emotional and narrative-driven layer to the equation. His potential return to Frisco, where he once dominated high school football, could be a storybook beginning for both him and the franchise.

For Dallas, the question isn't just about filling a roster need-it's about embracing an opportunity that feels almost too perfect to up.

NFLNFL analyst gives Jerry Jones good news with Cowboys prediction in 2025
Dallas CowboysDak Prescott and Brian Schottenheimer embrace 'hard conversations' in Cowboys' pursuit of success
Dallas CowboysTroy Aikman weighs in on Dak Prescott's Super Bowl hopes, warns Cowboys about NFC rivals