The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, are always a team that draws attention for its decisions in the draft, particularly when it comes to selecting players who can make an immediate impact. As the NFL Draft approaches each year, speculation surrounding which player the Cowboys will select is inevitable, and this year is no exception. Among the names that have garnered attention is Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back whose name is buzzing across draft circles. Jeanty, who has demonstrated exceptional skills as a running back, is being considered as a potential pick for the Cowboys, but there’s one critical voice in the conversation: Emmitt Smith, the greatest running back in Cowboys history.
Emmitt Smith, who is a three-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, has made it clear that he believes the Cowboys are not yet “ready” to select Jeanty. While Smith has always been a strong advocate for the success of the Cowboys, his comments regarding Jeanty’s potential selection are thought-provoking and have ignited a broader conversation about the state of the Cowboys’ roster, the running back position, and what it will take for the franchise to return to championship contention.
In this post, we will examine why Emmitt Smith feels that the Cowboys are not ready to select Ashton Jeanty, explore Jeanty’s abilities as a running back, dive into the state of the Cowboys’ running back situation, and analyze how Smith’s perspective fits into the broader picture of the Cowboys’ roster and their future direction.
Emmitt Smith: A Legacy Built on Excellence
Before diving into the specifics of Smith’s comments, it’s important to recognize the tremendous legacy that Emmitt Smith built with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith is not only the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, but he is also the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, with a career total of 18,355 rushing yards. His achievements are remarkable: three Super Bowl championships, a Super Bowl MVP, an NFL MVP award, eight Pro Bowl selections, and four All-Pro nods. Smith was known for his vision, patience, and ability to break tackles, as well as his versatility in both the running game and the passing game.
Smith’s leadership on and off the field was a key component in the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s. He was the backbone of an offense that helped the team secure three Super Bowl victories in just four years. Smith’s knowledge of the game, his work ethic, and his relentless drive to be the best earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, as well as his opponents. His impact on the franchise cannot be overstated, and his voice carries significant weight when it comes to matters related to the running back position and the Cowboys’ future.
Ashton Jeanty: A Rising Star in College Football
Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back out of Boise State University, has emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Over his college career, Jeanty has demonstrated impressive agility, speed, and a natural ability to make defenders miss. His vision and balance make him a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing games. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 200 pounds, Jeanty is known for his low center of gravity, which allows him to burst through the line of scrimmage and break tackles. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenses.
During his time at Boise State, Jeanty earned numerous accolades and broke several school records. He proved himself to be a consistent and reliable workhorse, rushing for over 1,000 yards in multiple seasons and consistently finding the end zone. He’s also an effective receiver out of the backfield, showcasing soft hands and the ability to run clean routes, which adds another layer of versatility to his skill set. Jeanty’s ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver makes him a complete back who could be a valuable asset to any NFL offense.
However, while Jeanty’s potential is clear, the question remains whether he is the right fit for the Cowboys, especially given Emmitt Smith’s perspective on the matter.
Emmitt Smith’s Concerns: Why the Cowboys Aren’t “Ready” to Select Jeanty
Emmitt Smith’s comments on the Cowboys’ potential selection of Ashton Jeanty are rooted in his extensive understanding of the game, as well as his perspective on what it takes for a team to win a championship. According to Smith, the Cowboys are not yet “ready” to select Jeanty, and he believes that selecting a running back early in the draft may not be the best move for the team at this point in time. Let’s break down Smith’s reasoning:
- The Running Back Position is Not the Priority Right Now Smith’s most significant concern about selecting Jeanty revolves around the Cowboys’ current roster composition. While Jeanty is undeniably a talented player, Smith feels that the Cowboys need to focus on other areas of the team before investing a high draft pick in a running back. In Smith’s view, the Cowboys need to prioritize improving other positions—particularly on the offensive line, defense, and at wide receiver—before adding another running back to the mix.
The Cowboys already have a capable running back in Tony Pollard, who emerged as the team’s lead back after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard has shown the ability to make explosive plays and has the agility and speed that fits the modern NFL running back profile. With Pollard in place, the need for an immediate high-impact running back is not as urgent as it might be for some other teams. Smith suggests that the Cowboys should instead focus on building a more complete team rather than over-investing in the running back position.
- The Changing Nature of the Running Back Position Another reason Smith is hesitant about the Cowboys selecting Jeanty is the evolving nature of the running back position in the NFL. In recent years, there has been a shift toward using running backs in more specialized roles. With the rise of passing attacks, many teams have moved toward committee-based running back systems, where multiple backs share the workload. The emphasis has shifted away from relying on a singular workhorse back, as teams look to spread the ball around and keep their backs fresh.
While Jeanty is a standout player, Smith questions whether it makes sense for the Cowboys to commit to a running back with a high draft pick when the league’s trends suggest that the position may not be as valuable in the current landscape. Smith believes that teams are better off investing in depth at the position, rather than selecting a high-profile back, especially given the Cowboys’ existing roster construction.
- The Cowboys Need to Address Bigger Issues Smith’s comments reflect a broader concern that the Cowboys need to address more pressing issues on their roster. The Cowboys have a talented roster but have struggled to make deep playoff runs in recent seasons. Smith argues that Dallas should focus on improving the team’s overall structure, particularly the offensive line and defense. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been inconsistent in recent years, and while Pollard has shown promise, the team needs a more complete offensive line to ensure a more balanced attack. Smith’s point is that the Cowboys can find value in other positions, like cornerback, offensive tackle, and even wide receiver, before investing in a running back.
- Focusing on Team Success Over Individual Talent Finally, Smith emphasizes the importance of building a team that is greater than the sum of its parts. While Jeanty is an impressive talent, Smith believes that the Cowboys’ success will depend more on the team’s overall performance rather than relying on individual stars. Smith’s career with the Cowboys was marked by a strong collective effort, with players like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and the entire defense contributing to the team’s success. In Smith’s mind, the Cowboys need to focus on building depth and cohesion across all positions to contend for a Super Bowl, rather than putting too much emphasis on selecting a running back based on his individual potential.
The Cowboys’ Running Back Situation: Pollard’s Role and Beyond
The current running back situation in Dallas is an important factor in Smith’s concerns about drafting Jeanty. As previously mentioned, Tony Pollard emerged as the Cowboys’ primary running back following Ezekiel Elliott’s departure. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing his speed, agility, and ability to break big runs. However, the question remains whether Pollard can handle a full workload as a feature back or whether the Cowboys need to complement him with another player who can carry the load.
Pollard has been effective in a more rotational role, but his durability and ability to take on a workhorse role remain a question. The Cowboys will need to decide if they want to invest in a backup running back who can provide depth behind Pollard or if they feel comfortable with their current running back committee. Jeanty could fit in as a complementary piece to Pollard, but the Cowboys may feel that addressing other positions—such as improving the offensive line or adding more depth to the defense—is a higher priority.
The Case for Ashton Jeanty: Why the Cowboys Should Consider Him
While Emmitt Smith’s concerns are valid, it’s also important to recognize why Ashton Jeanty could be an intriguing option for the Cowboys. Jeanty’s combination of vision, balance, and versatility could make him a valuable addition to the offense. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield fits well with the Cowboys’ desire to have a more dynamic and multi-dimensional offense.
Jeanty’s skill set could complement Pollard’s playstyle, offering the Cowboys a potent 1-2 punch at running back. His ability to make plays in both the ground game and the passing attack could be an asset in the modern NFL, where offenses are increasingly relying on running backs to contribute in multiple ways. Jeanty could provide Pollard with the support he needs, allowing the Cowboys to keep their running game fresh and unpredictable.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance
Emmitt Smith’s perspective on the Cowboys’ potential selection of Ashton Jeanty is rooted in his deep understanding of the game and his experience with championship-caliber teams. While Jeanty is undoubtedly a talented running back, Smith’s concerns about the Cowboys’ readiness to select him reflect a broader view on how the team should build a championship contender.
The Cowboys face important decisions in the upcoming draft, and the running back position is just one piece of the puzzle. While Jeanty could add value to the offense, it’s clear that the Cowboys need to address other areas of the roster before making such an investment. As always, the balance between individual talent and team success will play a crucial role in shaping the Cowboys’ future.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will need to take a holistic approach in constructing their roster, focusing on improving all facets of the team. Whether or not they select Ashton Jeanty, it’s clear that their success will depend on more than just the running back position—it will require a comprehensive, well-rounded approach to building a championship-contending team.