In just a few days, the Dallas Cowboys will return to the practice field for organized team activities (OTAs). While these practices lack tackling and true intensity, they more than make up for it with scheme installation, player evaluation, the chance to build chemistry, and shake off the offseason cobwebs.
They'll also give Cowboys fans their first glimpse at the biggest position battles. While the offense doesn't feature any open starting roles, the competition for rotational jobs at running back and tight end, in particular, should generate plenty of intrigue.
At RB, all eyes will be on second-year man Jaydon Blue, who had a forgettable rookie year. He'll get every chance to win the job behind Javonte Williams, but Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram believes that Malik Davis has the upper hand entering OTAs.
"I would give the slight edge to Malik Davis right now just based off last year’s late-season production," Harris wrote. "However, there is confidence in second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah to put up a legitimate fight for that role. I would assume the desire is that Blue becomes that guy, just because he brings a different speed and pass-catching element that the others in the room don’t."
Jaydon Blue will have to unseat Malik Davis for the Dallas Cowboys' RB2 job
Based on merit, Davis should be the leader in the clubhouse. He left Blue and Phil Mafah in the dust last year after Miles Sanders, who won the RB2 job coming out of training camp, suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Davis only touched the ball 52 times last season, but he accumulated 250 rushing yards and two scores, equating to 4.8 yards per carry. That included a long touchdown run in the Cowboys' thrilling Thanksgiving Day victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, and a 103-yard effort in his only start in Week 17.
What made Davis' impact so impressive is that he didn't sign until a day before Dallas' first preseason exhibition against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the quick turnaround, Davis handled seven carries for 63 yards (9.0 YPC) to lead the team in rushing. With Blue struggling to make headway and Mafah on IR, Davis had the backup job all to himself.
The 27-year-old's physical traits don't jump off the screen, but he's a patient runner and knows how to pick up tough yards.
What makes this looming competition so intriguing is that Harris believes this year's RB2 will have a bigger workload to help keep Williams fresh in December and January.
"I think the role could look different from what it did in 2025. To help maximize Javonte Williams’ three-year contract, I would be surprised if he gets the 287 touches he got a year ago. As a result, look for the guy(s) behind him to work into early passing down situations. I still like Williams as the third-down pass protector until someone behind him can show his value there."
Last season proved that the coaching staff trusts Davis more than Blue and Mafah, who's finally healthy after a shoulder injury kept him on ice for most of his rookie year.
What bodes well for Blue is that players typically make their biggest leap from Year 1 to Year 2. As Harris noted, he’s the most explosive and arguably the best pass-catching back on the roster. If he shows growth in the areas that kept him off the field as a rookie, he’ll give Davis a serious run for his money this summer.
But nobody would argue that Davis earned the opportunity to open as RB2.
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