NFL Draft expert predicts Cowboys will ignore Ashton Jeanty to get Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb some help

The Dallas Cowboys are in one of the more intriguing positions in the draft as they have a few options they can go with. They will have a new coach in the building and a healthy Dak Prescott returning to the team for next season.

On his Mock Draft 1.0, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. made an interesting prediction about what the Cowboys will do with the 12th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, electing to take Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III.

"Yes, it's a mock draft without Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty going to Dallas! ... Putting Burden's valuable after-the-catch ability opposite CeeDee Lamb would open things up for Dak Prescott. Dallas has been looking for a reliable one-two receiver punch in the offense for a while; it hasn't had two WRs over 700 receiving yards since 2021." h/t ESPN

This would come as a bit of a surprise as Dallas does not have a starting running back with Rico Dowle being a free agent. Many conversations have shown Ashton Jeanty as their first-round pick, but Mel Kiper Jr. sees it a bit differently.

Luther Burden III finished the 2024 season with 61 receptions for 676 yards (11.1 yards per catch) with six touchdowns as well as nine carries for 115 yards (12.8 yards per carry) and a pair of touchdowns. It was a down year compared to his 1,200-yard season in 2023 but still extremely productive.

Who would play running back if the Dallas Cowboys draft Luther Burden III?

The Dallas Cowboys could see the running back room look different as there are a few notable running back free agents such as Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, and AJ Dillon. If Jerry Jones does not want to pay for a running back, there are going to be ample running backs available in the second round of the draft as well.

Outside of Jeanty, there are a few interesting names like Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State) that can immediately be impactful. It all depends on how the Cowboys want to attack that position in the offseason.