The Dallas Cowboys had a year to forget in 2024. After three consecutive 12-5 seasons, the team finished a disappointing 7-10. As a result, the Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to take his place.
One of the primary concerns for the Cowboys was their lack of a strong run game. Starting running back Rico Dowdle ended the season with 1,079 rushing yards, but this total was significantly boosted by an impressive performance in the final six games, during which he rushed for 591 yards. The problem is that Dowdle is now a free agent, and after him, the next-highest rushing total on the team was just 226 yards.
In his latest NFL mock draft, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. aims to help the Cowboys address their concerns with their first-round pick.
North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28).
© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ve talked to people in the NFL who have Jeanty and Hampton neck and neck for RB1, and there are even some who prefer Hampton,” Kiper wrote. “And I look at Dallas’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as coach and can’t help but think about his father, Marty, and all those run-heavy offenses he had over 21 seasons in the same job for four different teams. One would think some of that will rub off on the Cowboys’ new coach, even with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in the offense.”
The Cowboys have been linked to Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty for much of the season and offseason. However, Kiper predicts that Jeanty will be drafted No. 6 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Hampton also had a standout year in 2024, rushing for 1,660 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, and Kiper has the Cowboys drafting the North Carolina product at No. 12.
Hampton and other prospects will learn where they will be playing next season on April 24 when the 2025 NFL Draft begins.