Joel Klatt makes prediction for Dallas Cowboys to draft Ashton Jeanty

Looking at NFL mock drafts, there are a lot of people who think the Dallas Cowboys and Ashton Jeanty make a ton of sense. Multiple factors play into Jeanty landing with Dallas, with one being the Boise State product is originally from the area. The Cowboys desperately needing production from a running back trumps it all, though.

“The Cowboys need a running back, in my estimation,” Klatt said. “They were 30th in the league in yards per carry this past year. Jerry (Jones) has shown he’s not afraid to draft a running back in the first round. I’m going with running back, Ashton Jeanty, from Boise State, going to the Dallas Cowboys.”

Mike McCarthy took some time to realize Rico Dowdle was his best backfield option last season. Dowdle finished with 1,079 yards but only two touchdowns. Performances down the stretch really picked up as he went for at least 100 yards in four of the final six games.

But there is no guarantee Dowdle is on the roster moving forward. He is a free agent and might be too pricey to return. At the same time, even if Dallas can bring Dowdle back, somebody else is needed in the room.

Jeanty brings a bundle of skill after leading college football in carries and rushing yards the past two seasons. A run at the single-season record held by Barry Sanders was made this year but ultimately fell short, going for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 games.

Klatt also points out there is some ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Boise State shied away from Jeanty in the passing game as they were going to hand him the ball. Dallas might be able to rekindle the skills moving forward.

“Jeanty is the best running back available. This guy is an unreal runner. He’s a plus runner. Whenever the play is blocked for him, he’s gaining plus yardage on top of that. He’s physical, he’s fast, he’s got home run ability. While they didn’t throw it to him a lot this last year, it was more based on the fact that they were going to hand it to him 28 times… He can catch it and he’s got pass-catching production in his background at Boise State.”

Dallas is going to take a running back at some point this draft, the debate is just when the selection occurs. Jeanty is the consensus No. 1 player at the position and if available at No. 12, might be too hard to pass on.