One conversation the Dallas Cowboys are probably having this offseason is when to draft a running back. Whether free agent Rico Dowdle is retained or not, the Cowboys are in the market for a starting-quality ball carrier. Luckily for them, the 2025 NFL draft just happens to feature one of the most gifted classes in years.

Headlined by Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the 2025 draft class is strong from top to bottom. The top four prospects look like stars in the making and game breakers capable of leading a ground game on Day 1.

Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) and TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) figure to be the next three off the board after Jeanty. In what order and how long after Jeanty is the real question.

Kyle Crabbs, a long-time draft analyst and current scout for 33rd Team, recently ran his official mock draft. In it he shows how big of a chasm there is between Jeanty and the others and who the Cowboys could be looking at when they go on the clock in the second round at Pick 44.

In this scenario Jeanty drops off the board at No. 6 when the Las Vegas Raiders select him with their first pick. It just so happens the next RB to get selected isn’t until the Broncos pick Johnson at 52. Hampton proceeds to get picked by the Chargers at 54 and finally Henderson gets picked at 62. It sets the stage for the Cowboys to be in a very advantageous position in the second round because they could have their pick of that elite second tier.

Obviously in Crabbs’ mock draft Dallas did not pick a RB, choosing instead to pounce on the value that Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, offered on Day 2. It would be hard to argue with that logic since Harmon plays a position of need and comes with a tantalizing pass-rushing skill set too good to pass up at Pick 44. It also speaks to the depth of the draft and how many good starting quality RBs will be available late on Day 2 and into Day 3.

But for those who are gauging value and trying to prepare for various draft day scenarios this is an enlightening exercise to go through. If the Cowboys fall in love with one or two of the remaining RBs in that second tier, they may get their shot at him at Pick 44.

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