Mock draft season is heating up, and Joe Bartel of Rotowire suggests the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers could strike a major trade during the draft. In his latest projection, Bartel proposes the Cowboys trade the 12th, 76th, and 211th overall picks to Carolina in return for the 8th and 147th selections. In this scenario, Dallas would move up to grab Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, while the Panthers would use their new first-round slot to select Georgia edge rusher.
Cowboys, Panthers Agree to Massive Trade In Latest Mock Draft
The Dallas Cowboys currently have one of the least impressive running back groups in the NFL, so it’s no surprise this mock draft targets the position. Historically, Jerry Jones hasn’t hesitated to invest heavily in running backs—he used a top-five pick on Ezekiel Elliott, gave him a massive extension, and applied the franchise tag to Tony Pollard. But last season, he let Pollard walk, relied on the inexpensive Rico Dowdle, and now has Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders competing for the starting role.
Luckily for Dallas, the 2025 draft class is stacked at running back, and Ashton Jeanty stands out as one of the top prospects in recent years. A versatile and well-rounded player from Boise State, Jeanty could step in as the immediate starter. The big question is whether the Cowboys are willing to give up significant draft capital for a position often viewed as replaceable. While Saquon Barkley’s success with the Eagles has helped boost the value of running backs, Dallas must consider if targeting Jeanty at a premium is worth it—especially with talented options like Quinshon Judkins or Kaleb Johnson potentially available in later rounds.
Panthers Fix the Defense
This mock draft scenario plays out ideally for the Carolina Panthers, as they acquire extra picks from the Cowboys while still landing a player they likely would’ve selected at No. 8 anyway. Although quarterback Bryce Young and the offense showed flashes of improvement late last season, it didn’t translate into wins due to the defense’s major struggles. GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales addressed some of those issues in free agency, but they’re still in need of a dependable edge rusher.
Jalon Walker fits that bill as an explosive, athletic pass rusher who brings a skill set the Panthers currently lack. His presence would be a major boost to a defense that’s in need of difference-makers. With Tershawn Wharton now in the mix alongside a healthy Derrick Brown, Carolina’s interior defensive line could become one of the more formidable groups in the league. Adding Walker to that front would help solidify the pass rush and allow veteran Jadeveon Clowney to operate more effectively in a supporting role.