FRISCO – The NFL offseason is in full swing as February progresses. The coaching changes have settled, and teams are preparing for the start of free agency in March, followed by the draft soon after.
This is a critical time for all 32 teams, but especially for the Dallas Cowboys, who have implemented a new coaching staff and will likely need to replace several key players from last season’s roster.
One of the main areas of focus this offseason will be at running back, a position the Cowboys largely neglected last year. With Brian Schottenheimer’s offense set to emphasize the running game, neglecting this area again would not be wise.
It seems the draft is the perfect opportunity for Dallas to select their future running back. The deep talent pool at the position will provide them with several options to address this need while still focusing on other areas of the roster.
However, Ashton Jeanty, widely considered the top running back prospect in the draft, has expressed a strong desire to play for the Cowboys. A native of Frisco, Texas, Jeanty played high school football at Lonestar High School.
In past interviews, he’s hinted at wanting to return to his hometown and reiterated that wish in an interview with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden.
Gruden simply asked him where he would want to live and play football, and Jeanty replied, “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.”
Jeanty’s comments haven’t turned into demands, but his subtle hints clearly show his interest in joining the Cowboys.
His efforts have reached a point where it’s hard to see why Dallas wouldn’t select him, especially considering how perfect the match seems. Drafting a running back early would help signal a “win now” approach.
While there are other players Dallas could consider with the No. 12 pick, none have generated the same level of excitement and enthusiasm for the Cowboys as Jeanty has.
The decision will be a difficult one for Dallas, as there are no clear indications about their draft strategy. But if Jeanty is still available when their turn arrives, it may be hard for the Cowboys to pass up on the chance for his homecoming.