FRISCO – Renowned NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. continues to believe the Dallas Cowboys will opt for a running back in the upcoming weeks. However, in his latest forecast, he has revised the predicted player. Kiper, who has been analyzing the draft for ESPN for 45 years, released his final mock draft version 4.0 this week.
Previously, he projected the Cowboys to select Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, but now he anticipates they’ll choose North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. “The difference between Jeanty and Hampton isn’t significant,” Kiper remarked on ESPN Tuesday. “But there’s a substantial gap beyond Hampton at the next level. The Cowboys are in dire need of a top-tier running back, and only two in this draft fit that description.”
Kiper predicts Jeanty will be picked at No. 6 by the Las Vegas Raiders, and he foresees the Tennessee Titans drafting Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the top overall pick. The Cowboys have already undergone a transformation in their running back lineup this offseason, losing last season’s leading rusher Rico Dowdle to free agency and signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.
Kiper acknowledges that the team might address another need with a dynamic receiver like Texas’ Matthew Golden or Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, but he remains convinced that new head coach Brian Schottenheimer will bolster the backfield.
“I was conflicted here, as I believe Dallas will consider all offensive playmakers,” Kiper noted. “They require a standout WR2 to alleviate some pressure off CeeDee Lamb. Yet, I’m uncertain if Texas’ Matthew Golden or Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan will be selected this early.”
“Instead, I envision the Cowboys focusing on enhancing the run game, which averaged 4.0 yards per carry and scored a league-low six touchdowns last season. Hampton possesses explosive potential. While I’ve never been a proponent of drafting a running back in the first round, team owner Jerry Jones isn’t hesitant to address the position on Day 1.”
The Cowboys met with Hampton at the NFL Combine, and he has rapidly climbed draft rankings after a stellar 2024 season in Chapel Hill, where he rushed for 1,660 yards, caught 38 passes, and scored a total of 17 touchdowns.
