Dallas Cowboys Three-Round Mock Draft exemplifies why buzz about rising prospect could lead to a first round mistake
The buzz is getting so loud that it's time we ask ourselves: What if the Dallas Cowboys take the controversial route with the No. 12 overall pick and take a running back not named Ashton Jeanty?The glaring hole on the offensive backfield had many projecting Jeanty to the Cowboys in what felt like 9.9 out […]
The buzz is getting so loud that it's time we ask ourselves: What if the Dallas Cowboys take the controversial route with the No. 12 overall pick and take a running back not named Ashton Jeanty?
The glaring hole on the offensive backfield had many projecting Jeanty to the Cowboys in what felt like 9.9 out of 10 mock drafts. Things have changed as the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer but that's mostly because the Boise State running back is expected to be off the board within the first top 10 picks, not because Dallas wouldn't entertain using a first-round choice on a running back.
Lately, North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton has been linked to the Cowboys often. Meanwhile, reports on his draft stock being higher than the media expects it to be have been a constant. Per FOX's Jordan Schultz, one NFL exec said he "will go 'very early."
Could it be as early as 12th overall? In the below three-round mock draft I put together using a simulator, I explored what the draft could look like if Hampton was the pick.
Round 1, Pick 12, RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
It was tough to pass on two targets here: Wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden were both available but the Cowboys going the RB route is a real approach the front office could take when on Draft Day.
Hampton is physical running back with outstanding vision and power. He's also one of the Cowboys' Top 30 visits, which confirms interest exists.
Round 2, Pick 44, WR Jack Bech, TCU
A former tight end turned slot receiver turned outside receiver, Bech is the best pass catcher available and the Cowboys can't afford to pass on him. They're in serious need of a WR to complement CeeDee Lamb and while he's not the fastest prospect in this class, his size and strength make him an intriguing QB-friendly target. Bech won Senior Bowl MVP earlier in the offseason.
Round 3, Pick 76, DL Jordan Phillips, Maryland
It's a big year for Mazi Smith but the Cowboys need competition at nose tackle and they need it badly. Phillips' explosion makes him a promising addition for Matt Eberflus' defense.
Though I wouldn't necessarily be upset at picking Bech in the second round, this mock draft exemplifies why I'm not a fan of picking a running back in the first, whether that's Jeanty or Hampton. Finding a wide receiver capable of making a Day 1 impact will be hard to do if it's not the No. 12 overall pick they're using.
Finding a capable running back in Round 2 or beyond seems much more doable than wide receiver and the Cowboys can't get away with their current WR depth chart.
Come April, the need might be so overwhelming that they could be forced to pass on a running back they really like.
