The Dallas Cowboys did not select a running back in the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft because they believed that they could find a starting-caliber back later in the draft. They waited until Round 5 to select a running back, eventually picking Jaydon Blue from Texas at pick No. 149.
The expectation for Blue is that he’ll be part of a running back by committee approach in Year 1, likely splitting work with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. But there is a chance that he could leapfrog both veterans and become the lead back in Dallas sooner rather than later.
In a recent article by Chad Reuter of NFL.com, he named 16 players who were selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft who could become starters during their rookie season. No. 1 on that list was Blue, because of his home-run ability.
Cowboys may have gotten a gem in Texas RB Jaydon Blue
Here is what Reuter had to say about the fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft:
"The Cowboys might begin the year with starting reps going to veteran backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but Blue should have a chance to be the guy for the Blue-and-Silver by midseason. The Texas product's home run-hitting ability as a runner and receiver makes it imperative that he's on the field."Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Dallas has one of the slowest offenses in the NFL, and there is a desperate need for speed. That is where Blue has a big advantage over all of the other running backs on the roster after running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The good news is that Blue plays to that speed and you can argue he’s even faster on the football field and it’s reflected in his career 5.4 yards per carry average.
The Cowboys will want to see how Blue does in pass protection and running between the tackles before making him the lead back of the committee. He also needs to prove that he can hold onto the football after dealing with some fumbling issues over the last two seasons.
However, his speed and quickness are desperately needed on offense, and the Cowboys might have to ignore some of the other faults in his game in order to get him on the field.
Look for Dallas to lean on the veterans early in the season before eventually handing the reins over to Blue. But you can count on the former Texas star to have a big role in the offense in no time. Despite being a fifth-round pick, it would be a shock if he didn’t total 150 or more touches during his rookie season with the Cowboys. He should have a significant role right away in the offense.