The Dallas Cowboys kick off training camp in just a few days, and optimism is high going into the year. The addition of George Pickens has completely changed the vibe as the Cowboys finally have a dynamic No. 2 receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. And with Dak Prescott fully healthy, this should be one of the league’s best offenses again this year.
However, there is still one big concern about the Cowboys this year, and it’s their run game. Dallas let Rico Dowdle leave in free agency despite rushing for over 1,000 yards last season. But with a new change in scheme, Dallas opted to sign two veteran running backs to replace him. That was not a popular decision at the time, and it's one that many believe could doom Dallas this season.
Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are not highly thought of among NFL fans and it feels like Dallas downgraded at the position after already having one of the league’s worst running back rooms. And yet, those are the top two backs on the roster going into the season.
But there is one sleeper at the running back position who could change the entire outlook of the Cowboys this season, and that is Jaydon Blue.
Jaydon Blue could change everything for the Cowboys this year
A fifth-round pick out of Texas, Blue ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his speed is his defining characteristic. While he is not the most refined running back on the roster, he is the most athletic, and the Cowboys are clearly searching for a player who can add value to the running game.
Blue was well-liked during the pre-draft process as several draft experts gave him a third-round grade, including Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Here is a snippet of what he had to say about the former Texas star going into the draft:
"Blue played behind very good backs, so his carry count is lower, but he clearly has talent. He’s a narrow-hipped, linear runner with good speed to threaten wide and attack downfield out of the backfield. He has adequate wiggle in the open field but lacks base strength to break tackles. Blue’s lack of tempo and vision inside gets him behind schedule and could limit how teams use him as a ball-carrier."
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
The expectation is that Blue will be a part-time player during his rookie season, likely coming on the field on passing downs. He should be a weapon in the screen game and is dynamic enough to win one-on-one against linebackers. Blue will get some carries on offense, but the total amount is still to be determined.
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But what if Blue has an outstanding training camp and wins the starting job in Dallas? He would still share the backfield with a veteran (Williams or Sanders), but it’s not inconceivable to think he could lead the backfield in touches.
Just last year, we saw a similar back in Bucky Irving (5-10, 194 pounds) go over 250 touches with the Buccaneers despite being a late fourth-round pick. It doesn’t happen every year, but the NFL is littered with Day 3 picks at running back who contribute during their rookie season.
If Blue were to win the job in Dallas, either in training camp or early in the season, that would change the entire outlook of the offense. Suddenly, they would be among the league’s most dynamic offenses and would have speed galore.
Time will tell what type of role Blue will have in Year 1, but he is the type of sleeper who could significantly impact the ceiling of the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 season.