Three running backs Cowboys could target in 2025 draft

Pro Football Focus gives Jeanty top marks among college running backs and credits him with an unbelievable 1,889 yards after contact or 5.48 yards per attempt. By comparison, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott ran for 1,018 yards after contact on his way to being named the 2016 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Of course, it could take a first-round pick to get Boise’s Bronco on next year’s roster, something that team owner Jerry Jones should be comfortable with. Dallas drafted Elliott fourth overall in 2016 and while he never held the Lombardi Trophy, he does have the third-most yards (8,455) in franchise history.

Cam Skattebo | Arizona State

After a 170-yard, three-touchdown (two rushing, one receiving) performance against Iowa State in Saturday’s Big 12 Conference championship game, Skattebo declared himself the best running back in the country. 

He certainly doesn’t hurt for confidence and shouldn’t after running for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns with the Sun Devils this year. He also had 37 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns. His 2,074 all-purpose yards with Arizona are a program record and second-most to Jeanty.

Unlike Jeanty, it won’t take a first-round pick to get Skattebo to Dallas. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, NFL scouts are excited about his potential as a power back but see Skattebo as more of a Day 3 prospect similar to the Falcons' Tyler Allgeier.

The Cowboys own three fifth-round picks and a pair of sixth-round selections in next year’s draft, giving them an excellent chance to get Skattebo in their backfield.

Kaleb Johnson | Iowa

If Dallas can’t wait until the late rounds to draft a ball-carrier, Johnson could be the team’s best option. At six-feet-tall and 225 pounds, the sixth-leading rusher in the FBS is taller and heavier than both Jeanty and Skattebo but according to Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell, maturity issues could push the talented running back into the second- or third-round of the draft.

Johnson averaged 6.4 yards per attempt for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes in 2024 with 22 catches for 188 yards and two scores. The predraft process will be critical for Johnson but if he interviews well, he could be just what the Cowboys’ 28th-ranked rushing attack needs.