Cowboys Fans All Have the Same Fear About Drafting Ashton Jeanty
FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys' once looked to be a lock for running back prospect Ashton Jeanty. A Boise State product and Frisco, Texas, native had the makings of the needed solution for this Cowboys' backfield.
Much has changed across draft boards league wide and on mocks dispersed from various sources. The Cowboys' draft needs are quite diverse and Jeanty's stock has risen up.
Now, any Cowboys' selection of Jeanty would likely come from a surprise slide on Day 1 or a trade up to get into position for him. Either way, NFL on Fox Podcast host and Cowboys analyst David Helman believes these developments would keep the team from repeating a similar decision from nearly a decade ago in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Ezekiel Elliott And Ashton Jeanty
Tony Fisher
“They had the fourth pick in that draft because their good but aging quarterback got hurt the year before... they drafted Ezekiel Elliott," he said.
“Here we are, however many years later, and the Cowboys have an unusually high pick because Dak Prescott got hurt, and they have a need at running back.
“I’m gonna laugh if they do the exact same thing, and it’s really not a knock on Ashton Jeanty, but it will be funny if they have the same answer to the same problem.”
Coming out of his rookie season, the Cowboys' selection of Elliott looked like a home run. But a quick decline aided by apparent early-career immaturity off the field saw the running back - accomplished with two NFL rushing titles, to be fair - lose form at a rapid pace.
For Cowboys fans, it's hard to ignore the fears of that same rapid decline befalling Jeanty. Now does Jeanty have that same baggage? It appears not.
But a first-round selection of a running back must provide years of pay off to be worth the selection. Very few at the position are able to sustain that production.
This debate also comes at a critical juncture for Dallas who needs to get this pick right, whether they draft Jeanty or not. Prescott may not have the same level of injury concern as Romo did, but his window as a premier NFL starter will be closing soon.
The Cowboys must capitalize on his ability in the present, meaning they need a strong supporting cast around him both offensively and defensively. Following another lackluster free agency campaign, many are counting on this draft class to provide some saving grace.
So if Jeanty is part of that solution, then the Cowboys will emerge unscathed and poised with another foundational roster piece. If not, then history will repeat itself and make for another blemish for this franchise in the modern era.
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