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Ashton Jeanty’s potential reunion with the star logo could come full circle. The former Lone Star high school standout has his sights set on joining the Dallas Cowboys — a scenario that’s generating buzz ahead of April’s NFL Draft.
The Cowboys, holding the No. 12 overall pick, are keeping their draft strategy close to the chest. NFL Draft analysts widely project Jeanty to be selected around this range, making the connection too obvious to ignore.
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s desire to establish a stronger running game adds another layer to Dallas’s draft needs. With Rico Dowdle potentially departing in free agency, the Cowboys’ backfield situation demands attention.
The fit seems perfect.
Yet Schottenheimer recently raised eyebrows when he told NBC Sports he’s “not too familiar” with Jeanty. This claim seems unlikely given the running back’s profile and Dallas’s draft position — especially for a head coach whose offensive philosophy centers on the ground game.
The statement could signal the Cowboys aren’t seriously considering Jeanty at No. 12. Modern NFL draft strategy often prioritizes positions like offensive tackle or edge rusher over running backs in the first round, questioning the value proposition of selecting a rusher that early.
Whatever Dallas decides, they’d be wise to manage expectations carefully. Getting Jeanty’s hopes up about playing for his hometown team — only to go in another direction — would be an unfortunate way to welcome a promising prospect to the NFL.
The Cowboys’ front office needs to balance their pre-draft secrecy with professional courtesy. While they don’t owe Jeanty any guarantees, transparency about their intentions would demonstrate respect for a local star who’s dreaming of wearing that iconic helmet once again.
