The Cowboys Have a Rather Meaty Draft Decision
Luther Burden (WR), Missouri
Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) reacts after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images.
The Dallas Cowboys finished 7-10 in 2024, a down year for “America’s Team” and one that fully went belly-up when Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring avulsion.
The Cowboys Have a Rather Meaty Draft Decision
Accordingly, the Cowboys decided not to re-up with head coach Mike McCarthy and hired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for the head coaching vacancy.
And when Dallas steps up the plate to draft in late April, owner and general manager Jerry Jones will have a meaty choice with the 12th overall pick, one that’s actually quite exciting for fans.
Make It Simple … Pick RB Ashton Jeanty?
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) greets teammates following the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cowboys ranked 22nd in rushing DVOA this season, a lowly mark from a franchise that usually prioritizes the ground game. But that’s the penalty for failing to pursue Derrick Henry in 2024 free agency while waiting until midseason to give Rico Dowdle RB1 responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Dowdle, the best running back on the 2024 depth chart, is scheduled to hit free agency in five weeks, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll return or if Dallas will even audition him as the RB1 solution in 2025.
So, insert Jeanty.
Jeanty has Bijan Robinson-like hype entering the 2025 NFL Draft, and he could be more dynamic. The Cowboys could make this non-complicated and pick Jeanty, a total pendulum swing from ignoring Henry last March. Outwardly, it will look like Jerry Jones played the long game all along.
No fan will be mad about the Jeanty pick. He’s that damn electric.
The Luther Burden Fascination
Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images.
On the other hand, the Cowboys need a WR2 next to CeeDee Lamb if they don’t trust Jalen Tolbert’s development for the long haul.
Luther Burden could fall to pick No. 12 and would especially become a Dallas target if a team like the Chicago Bears grabs Jeanty. Dak Prescott, returning from his injury, will need more dependable wide receivers, and Burden has the skill set for it.
It’s worth noting that free-agent WRs like Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs, and Amari Cooper will be available in March, so maybe Jones can cross this roster need off the list six weeks before the draft.
What about Offensive Tackle?
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Dallas also must address its offensive tranches. Offensive tackle is a wise start.
Terence Steele, Tyler Guyton, Chuma Edoga, and Asim Richards don’t formulate a Super Bowl-contending foursome. Or if they do, they’ll have to take steps by leaps and bounds this summer to inspire confidence. Per Sharp Football Analysis, the Cowboys ranked 28th per offensive line efficiency in 2024, also known as fifth-worst in the NFL.
Their primary rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, will participate in the Super Bowl next weekend while showcasing an offensive line tailored in heaven. Dallas cannot merely draft Jeanty or Burden and roll with the league’s fifth-worst offensive trenches. It won’t work.
Therefore, Kelvin Banks Jr. from the Univeristy of Texas can reasonably be a target at pick No. 12, too.
The Prediction
Dec 6, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) before the game against UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images.
Should Jeanty fall to No. 12 — it’s a real possibility — Dallas will cleanse its 2024 free-agency sins and make them right with Jeanty. Atonement.
It will then own Jeanty for cheap through the end of 2029. Jones can figure out the offensive line in free agency and add a veteran WR2.
Jeanty for Dallas is already cliché by now, but it just checks too many boxes.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the Minnesota Vikings, with 4-7 episodes per week. His NFL obsession dates back to 1989. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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