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Dak Prescott Receives Major Offensive Playmaker in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Feb 7, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The 2024 season was disappointing for the Dallas Cowboys, as they finished with a record of 7-10, their worst performance since 2020 when they went 6-10.

This season's struggles follow three consecutive winning seasons, during which the Cowboys posted records of 12-5 and made the playoffs each time. Now, the Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy have parted ways. Dallas has chosen to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, marking his first time in that position in the NFL.

The Cowboys faced two major challenges this season. The first was the injury to star quarterback Dak Prescott, who was sidelined after just eight games. The second was the team's struggling running game; they rushed for only 1,705 yards, ranking as the sixth worst in the NFL.

Dallas will likely need to address the run game issue in the offseason, and CBS Sports’ latest mock draft predicts they will do so with the No. 12 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has the Cowboys getting Prescott major help by drafting Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty.

"Is Jeanty a luxury pick?" Wilson asked. "That depends; are Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks? Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn't been used nearly as much in the passing game, but that doesn't mean he can't do it."

Jeanty had an outstanding final season in college. The Heisman Trophy runner-up rushed for 2,601 yards, the second most in NCAA history, and scored 30 total touchdowns in 2024. He could join Rico Dowdle, who finished this season with 1,079 yards. However, Dowdle is a free agent.

Drafting Jeanty could also significantly alleviate the pressure on Prescott. The Cowboys have not had a top 10 rushing attack in the last two seasons, which has placed more responsibility on Prescott's shoulders. If Jeanty can be the game-changer that Wilson believes he can be, it could open up the Cowboys' offense.

The NFL draft is April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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