Cornerback is arguably the bigger need for the Dallas Cowboys given all the injuries, but the running back position should provide the most fireworks in training camp.
Gone are the days where the Joneses overvalued running backs. After getting burned by Ezekiel Elliott's extension, it seems they are committed to allocating bare minimum resources to the position.
If nothing else, that philosophy has made for a potentially enthralling competition in Oxnard, where the Cowboys will have six players battling for up to four spots.
With that in mind, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram took a stab at projecting which RBs are "safe" and which ones are "on the bubble". Harris believes that veteran Javonte Williams and rookie fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue have the inside track to make the roster.
That would imply that offseason star Miles Sanders has some work to do.
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Harris pointed to the receiving ability of Williams and Blue that could give them an edge in the competition. He also mentioned that Brian Schottenheimer has used multiple receiving RBs in his system in the past.
"There isn’t a solidified starter in the room just yet, and that player could very well come from outside of this duo. But with the receiving ability of Williams and Blue, it would be tough to find a reality where either are not on the roster on cut day."
Harris acknowledged that Sanders is close to being in the "safe" category. Sanders carries a lot of momentum into camp after a strong showing in offseason workouts. However, he will need to continue showing off his rushing chops following a disastrous two-year stint in Carolina.
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The good news for Sanders is that he's more accomplished than Hunter Luepke, rookie seventh-rounder Phil Mafah and 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn.
While Luepke offers versatility as a blocker, pass-catcher and ability to play on special teams (he led Dallas with 12 special teams tackles last season), he doesn't excel in any of those roles. Second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford has more upside as a blocker and a receiver.
The 6'1", 231-pound Mafah could emerge as the team's short-yardage back, but Harris wondered if his lack of speed and receiving ability could hinder his chances.
As for Vaughn, the cat is kind of out of the bag. Active for just 14 games in his first two seasons, Vaughn has averaged a lowly 2.8 yards per carry.
While Vaughn's former offensive coordinator at Kansas State, Conor Riley, is now the Cowboys' offensive line coach, it's hard to undersell just how much Vaughn's 5'6", 176-pound frame hurts his value. The margin for error is razor thin.
The competition might not be as wide open as some are led to believe, but Schottenheimer has said time and time again that players will have to earn his trust. Don't expect Williams or Blue to enter camp with any sort of complacency.