The 2025 NFL Draft is only weeks away, and the Dallas Cowboys will be on the clock with the No. 12 overall pick. The Cowboys could go in a variety of directions at No. 12, but most draft analysts in recent weeks believe the team will take a running back.
Dallas did not do a good job addressing the running back position in free agency. They did not re-sign Rico Dowdle, who had 1,328 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. Dowdle ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
To replace Dowdle in the backfield, the Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to one-year deals. On paper, that isn’t the most dynamic running back, making RB one of Dallas’ top priorities.
Nonetheless, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has a different school of thought on Dallas’ first-round pick, sticking more towards taking the best player available, per ESPN's Todd Archer.
"We don't want to ever pick 12th again... We don't want to. We don't want to pick that high, but you're looking for guys that influence the game. How do you influence the game? You rush the quarterback, and you get sacks, strip sacks, fumbles, whatever it is. You score touchdowns. OK? You build it from the outside in, so you got corners, receivers, they get isolated one-on-one. Pass rushers, tackles, they get isolated one-on-one, and then obviously the quarterback position."Brian Schottenheimer
The new Cowboys head coach omitted the RB position as he highlighted getting pressure on the QB and creating turnovers by adding playmakers on defense. He also mentioned scoring touchdowns, but he only discussed the QB and WR positions.
That said, it doesn’t mean the Cowboys will not take a running back in this year’s draft, but if Dallas sees an impact wide receiver (Tetairoa McMillian) or defender available at No. 12, those options cannot be dismissed.
However, it will be hard convincing Cowboys fans that they shouldn’t take a running back in the first round, especially if Ashton Jeanty is available at No. 12.