The Dallas Cowboys received strong grades for their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. A lot of that has to do with the fact they didn't force taking a running back. While they waited until round five, they got an absolute firecracker in Texas standout Jaydon Blue.
Blue was on some analysts' radar leading up to the draft, but he wasn't heavily linked to the Cowboys, probably because they were expected to take a RB early.
Another reason the Blue pick came as a surprise? He apparently didn't visit with Dallas before the draft, as he revealed during an interview with Kay Adams of Up & Adams.
Cowboys didn't meet with Jaydon Blue at all before the 2025 NFL Draft
"My grandpa talked to me about wanting me to play for the Cowboys since I was in high school," Blue said. "I didn't have a clue I was gonna go there. I didn't talk to them, I didn't visit them so it kind of hit me when they called, because I was like 'Dallas?' It's crazy because I know a lot of great (running) backs went there and I know the history behind them ... "
Jaydon Blue didn't even have a visit to the Cowboys.. ?!
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 22, 2025
then Jerry calls him. then he realizes his grandpa basically made it happen.
He IS the @dallascowboys. @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/xgtH6dTteJ
It is extremely difficult to predict who the Cowboys will draft. The Tyler Booker selection at No. 12 overall came out of left field. However, they have a long history of taking prospects they met with beforehand, whether it be an official 30 visit, at Dallas Day or the NFL Combine.
MUST-READ: First look at Jaydon Blue in Cowboys uniform leaves fans divided
That Dallas bucked that long-standing tradition to take Blue speaks volumes about what they believe he can do for the offense.
It's wishful thinking that Blue will start in Week 1. Free agent signing Javonte Williams is expected to open as the starter. However, a variety of analysts and insiders believe Blue will assert himself as RB1 at some point during his rookie season.
After all, Blue offers something the Cowboys otherwise don't have in their backfield: breakaway speed and an ability to juke defenders out of their socks. He figures to add an explosive element to the running game, but he has soft hands a a receiver, as evidenced by his 42 catches for 368 yards and six (!) touchdowns in his final season at Texas.
The Blue hype has officially left the station. Fans are setting high expectations for the young RB, but it is hard not to with all of the intel that has come out after the draft.