Ashton Jeanty: A “Big Risk” in the NFL Draft – The Cowboys’ Cautionary Statement

As the NFL Draft looms closer, a significant buzz surrounds a range of prospects with immense potential to make an impact in the league. Among the names generating both excitement and skepticism is Ashton Jeanty, a talented running back from Boise State University. Despite his explosive performance on the field and his undeniable talent, some NFL teams have begun to express concern over his readiness to transition into professional football. One such team, the Dallas Cowboys, has raised alarms, warning that Jeanty is a “big risk” for any team looking to draft him. In this analysis, we will explore the reasons behind these concerns, Jeanty’s strengths and weaknesses, the potential upside, and the critical decision NFL teams must face when evaluating his draft stock.

The Rising Star: Ashton Jeanty’s College Career

Ashton Jeanty’s career at Boise State was nothing short of impressive. Over the course of his collegiate years, he showcased a blend of speed, vision, and elusiveness that made him a standout in the Mountain West Conference. Jeanty consistently delivered high production on the ground, earning a reputation for being one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country. His numbers speak volumes:

• 2022 season: Jeanty rushed for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, proving himself as a top-tier back in college football.
• 2023 season: Jeanty continued to dominate with a similar level of production, cementing his status as a potential NFL prospect.

In addition to his impressive rushing stats, Jeanty’s ability to contribute in the passing game further solidified his versatility. His hands and ability to make defenders miss in the open field made him an effective weapon in both traditional rushing situations and spread-out passing schemes. These attributes, combined with his consistent production and highlight-reel runs, made Jeanty a player to watch as the draft approached.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Warning: Jeanty’s “Big Risk”

Despite Jeanty’s talent and success at the college level, the Dallas Cowboys’ front office has issued a cautionary statement regarding his draft stock. In a recent press conference, Cowboys’ executives stated that Jeanty is considered a “big risk” to choose in the upcoming draft. The reasons behind this assessment are multifaceted, touching on concerns about his style of play, his physicality, and his ability to adapt to the NFL’s demanding pace.

1. Physical Traits and Durability Concerns

One of the key concerns raised by NFL teams, including the Cowboys, is Jeanty’s physical durability. At 5’9″ and 200 pounds, Jeanty doesn’t have the prototypical size that many NFL scouts look for in a running back. While his speed and agility are remarkable, some have questioned whether he can withstand the punishment that comes with playing in the NFL, especially given the size and speed of professional defenders.

Jeanty’s style of play often involves taking on tacklers head-on, showing a willingness to fight for extra yards. While this is an admirable trait in college, NFL defenders are significantly stronger, faster, and more skilled at wrapping up ball carriers. Teams are concerned that Jeanty’s physical frame may not hold up under the intense contact and high frequency of hits at the NFL level.

Moreover, his durability has been questioned due to a few injuries during his college career. While not catastrophic, these injuries, especially in a position as physically demanding as running back, are a point of concern for the Cowboys and other NFL teams. History has shown that running backs with injury histories can often struggle to maintain consistency in the NFL, leading to a “boom or bust” risk for any team that drafts Jeanty.

2. Fumbling Issues and Ball Security

Another red flag for the Cowboys is Jeanty’s ball security. Despite his remarkable ability to make big plays, he has struggled with fumbling throughout his college career. In critical moments, Jeanty has been known to mishandle the ball, leading to turnovers. Ball security is a fundamental aspect of playing running back in the NFL, and any issues in this area are a significant concern.

NFL teams, particularly those with a ball-control-oriented offense like the Cowboys, are always looking for players who can protect the football. The risk of turnovers can be a major liability, especially in high-stakes games or playoff situations. Jeanty’s fumbling issues could make it difficult for him to gain the trust of NFL coaches, particularly those who prioritize ball control and mistake-free football.

3. Level of Competition in College

While Jeanty’s numbers are impressive, there are concerns about the level of competition he faced in college. The Mountain West Conference is not typically considered a powerhouse in college football, and some scouts believe that Jeanty’s production might be skewed by the weaker defenses in the conference. When playing against teams from Power Five conferences, Jeanty did show flashes of brilliance, but there were also times when he struggled to find his rhythm.

NFL teams often look for players who have proven themselves against top-tier competition, and there’s a question of whether Jeanty can consistently perform at the highest level. While Jeanty’s potential is undeniable, the Cowboys and other teams may be hesitant to invest in a player who has not been tested as thoroughly against elite defenses.

4. Limited Experience in Pass Protection

Another area of concern for Jeanty is his ability to contribute in pass protection. In the NFL, running backs are often called upon to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback. Jeanty’s ability to handle this responsibility is somewhat unproven, as he was not asked to do so frequently at Boise State. This lack of experience in pass protection could put him at a disadvantage in the NFL, where failing to protect the quarterback can result in lost playing time or even injury.

The Upside: Why Jeanty Still Has High Potential

Despite these concerns, Jeanty still has the potential to be an impactful player at the next level. Here are a few reasons why some NFL teams remain interested in his talents:

1. Elite Speed and Agility

Jeanty’s speed and agility are undeniable. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is a rare and valuable trait. Jeanty has the kind of acceleration that could make him a dangerous weapon in both the running game and in the passing game. His breakaway speed is impressive, and he has the ability to change direction on a dime, which could allow him to thrive in space at the NFL level.

2. Versatility as a Dual-Threat Back

Jeanty’s versatility is another key selling point. Not only can he be used as a traditional running back, but his ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a dual-threat option. In today’s NFL, teams are increasingly looking for running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield and be dynamic playmakers in various offensive schemes. Jeanty has shown the ability to be a weapon in the passing game, making him a potentially valuable asset for a team with a creative offensive coordinator.

3. Work Ethic and Drive

While Jeanty may have concerns surrounding his size and ball security, his work ethic and drive have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Jeanty’s commitment to improving his game and his determination to succeed at the next level are qualities that NFL teams value highly. If Jeanty can refine his technique and work on his weaknesses, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the NFL.

A “Big Risk” With High Reward Potential

Ashton Jeanty is certainly a player who carries both high potential and high risk. The Dallas Cowboys’ warning about him being a “big risk” is based on valid concerns surrounding his durability, ball security, competition level, and pass protection skills. However, his explosive speed, versatility, and ability to make plays in both the running and passing game make him an intriguing prospect for teams willing to take a chance on him.

For teams with the right developmental systems and the willingness to invest time and resources into refining his game, Jeanty could become a dynamic playmaker. However, for teams that are risk-averse or require immediate production from their draft picks, Jeanty may be too much of a gamble.

In the end, the decision to draft Ashton Jeanty will come down to the philosophy of each team. Some will see him as a “big risk” to avoid, while others will see him as a high-reward prospect who, with the right coaching and development, could become a star in the NFL. Only time will tell if Jeanty’s draft stock rises or falls in the coming weeks, but for now, the debate about his future in the NFL continues.