FRISCO - We have now reviewed a volume of re-written scouting reports on Rico Dowdle. And we have reviewed a volume of juicy scouting reports on Ashton Jeanty.
The consensus on Rico? The Dallas Cowboys, after watching his breakout performance in 2024, need to keep him as he hits 2025 free agency.
The consensus on Ashton? Yeah, the Cowboys need to get him, too, via the NFL Draft.
But what's the "how to''? Cowboys predictions aside, the devil is in the details.
Dowdle recently beame the first undrafted player since 2014 to post three consecutive 100-yard rushing games — a feat last achieved by Arian Foster with the Houston Texans.
Coming into this week's win over the Bucs, when Dallas has given Rico 18 or more carries this season, Dowdle has consistently produced, recording at least 86 rushing yards per game.
Maybe it took the Cowboys too long to move away from that running back by committee approach that causes them to feature Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke.
But at least now Dallas isn't dead-last in NFL rushing.
So ... sign Rico? For how much? Dip into free agency and steal Najee Harris (or somebody like him)? For how much - and is such a player better than Rico?
Draft Boise State’s Jeanty, the Frisco kid who played high school football at the Cowboys HQ at The Star? Sure. But again ... how?
Dallas figures to be drafting right around 13th or 15th. Is Jeanty going to last that long?
This doesn't have to be about "the devaluation of the running back''; that's an argument against giving a star back a second contract, not against draft him high.
Jeanty finished second in Heisman Trophy voting this year after producing 2,497 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. He seems like a phenomenal prospect ... and yes, the marketing of the Cowboys with "The Frisco Kid'' on the team will be considered by the Jerry Jones-led franchise.
So Rico and Ashton? Good idea. But how?
