Cowboys predicted to ditch Javonte Williams for 32-TD star in 2025 draft

Cowboys predicted to ditch Javonte Williams for 32-TD star in 2025 draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys have had an up-and-down 2025 season.

The team dropped two in a row heading into the bye week, but came out and throttled the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. Now, the team heads into Week 12 with a 4-5-1 record needing a strong second half to ensure a playoff berth.

One of the team's key players has been running back Javonte Williams. Williams was added on a low-risk deal this offseason and has emerged as the bell cow back. Entering Week 12, Williams was fifth in the league in rushing yards with 809 and eight touchdowns.

However, despite Williams' efforts, one draft expert still expects the Cowboys to draft the position high in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Matt Miller recently published an updated mock draft. The analyst predicts the Cowboys to select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Love is an explosive athlete and widely considered to be the top running back in the class.

Regarding this potential selection, Miller offered the following:

I think Love is one of the three best players in the class and an RB prospect on par with Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley. Love would be a dream come true for the Cowboys, whose No. 1 running back (Javonte Williams) is set to be an unrestricted free agent. A true home run threat at 6-foot and 214 pounds, Love has ripped off touchdown runs of 98 and 94 yards in back-to-back seasons. His elite patience and burst are ideal for a zone rushing scheme, plus he has the all-around ability to boost the Cowboys' loaded passing attack.

As Miller mentioned, Williams is set to be a free agent again this offseason after only landing a one-year deal with the Cowboys.

Williams could be playing himself into a much bigger deal, and it's possible the Cowboys would prefer to draft another running back instead of investing heavily in a veteran.

With Love, the Cowboys would be getting a true difference-maker who contributes in the run game, as a blocker, and as a pass-catcher.

In 10 games in 2025 so far, Love has rushed 177 times for 1,135 yards and 14 touchdowns. The running back has also caught 26 passes for 274 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Love is averaging over 113 rushing yards per game for the Fighting Irish this season.

2025 isn't the first season that Love has dominated, either. The running back totaled 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last year while helping lead Notre Dame all the way to the National Championship Game.

It's possible the Cowboys could have too low of a pick to secure Love. However, if the Notre Dame product is within reach, the Cowboys should not hesitate to add the explosive weapon to their offense.