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Cowboys meet with a first-round talent running back not named Ashton Jeanty.
The Dallas Cowboys are meeting with potential draft picks this week as they’re hosting their top 30 visits and ’Dallas Day’ prospects. Not every name has been confirmed but some of the biggest names in the 2025 NFL Drafthave made their way to The Star in Frisco.
One of those players happens to be North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, who is skyrocketing up draft boards.
Seen as the consensus No. 2 back in this class, Hampton is ranked right behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. There’s not much separation, however, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz says the two are being compared to Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, who both went in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Schultz says both backs are expected to go early, which means Dallas would have to use pick No. 12 on Hampton. That is, unless they wanted to trade back and hope that he was still on the board.
Based on comments from head coach Brian Schottenheimer, it doesn’t seem likely the Cowboys would use such a high pick on a running back. They’re more likely to wait and pick a back on Day 2, especially since this class is loaded with talent.
Here’s why Hampton may not be such a good idea early in the draft.
Taking Omarion Hampton at No. 12 would be a major reach by the Cowboys
Running back is widely considered one of the least valuable positions on the football field. The common belief among most GMs in the NFL is that teams should only take “Money Five” positions inside the top 20. And those five positions are quarterback, pass rusher, offensive tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback. If you stick to those five positions, you’ll usually end up with value in Round 1.
However, there is argument that can be made for Ashton Jeanty in Round 1. He is the No. 3 player on the consensus board and would be considered a major value at pick No. 12. Yes, he doesn’t play a money-five position, but he’s an elite talent who should be considered at that pick.
But the same can’t be said for Omarion Hampton, the standout running back from North Carolina. While most people in this class believe he is the second-best running back in the class, that isn’t a consensus opinion. And the gap between he and Jeanty is much bigger than Hampton and the next back.
Hampton is currently No. 29 on the consensus board with TreVeyon Henderson (37) and Quinshon Judkins (43) not far behind. Picking Hampton at No. 12 would mean...
