ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his first mock draft of the 2025 cycle Wednesday, taking a different approach than most with the Cowboys’ 12th overall pick. Over the last few weeks, various draft pundits have tabbed Ashton Jeanty as Dallas’ pick in the first round.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. debuted his first mock draft of the season, and in this instance, he predicted Jeanty would fall out of the top 15 picks and eventua

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When it comes to running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and then there’s everyone else. Now sure, there have been running backs who have gone in the first round in the past few drafts,