Rather than reach to address needs, the Dallas Cowboys took the highest-ranked players on their board with their first three picks in the NFL Draft.
While guard Tyler Booker wasn't great value at No. 12, defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel were steals in rounds two and three. They capped an outstanding draft by beefing up the offensive and defensive lines, as well as tapping into the depth of the running back class on Day 3.
It is pretty clear what roles Booker, Ezeiruaku and Revel (when healthy) will have. But what about new RBs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah? They join a suddenly crowded backfield that features budget-friendly signings Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.
The dust on the draft hasn't even settled and Schottenheimer is already gassing up Blue and Mafah, leaving no doubt about what the team thinks of them.
Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer sends clear message to Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders
When asked if Blue and Mafah are capable of starting, Schottenheimer said, "I would hope so or otherwise we wouldn't have drafted them."
That does not bode well for Williams and Sanders.
While the two veterans will open mandatory minicamp and likely training camp atop the depth chart while Blue and Mafah get up to speed, Schottenheimer has created a level playing field before the two rookies even sign their first NFL contract.
Obviously Blue and Mafah will have to hold up their end of the bargain, but the first-year head coach has put Williams and Sanders on notice with these comments.Schottenheimer said before the draft that the Cowboys wanted to add speed to the offense. Blue sprinted a 4.38 40-yard dash at the Combine and posted a 113.1 elusive rating last season, per PFF. His short-area explosiveness is up there with any back in the class.
Blue offers something the team's other RBs do not, including Mafah. However, Schottenheimer has also preached bringing violence in the run game. That fits the 230-pound Mafah like a glove.
The former Clemson Tiger averaged 3.24 yards after contact per carry last season. He has average speed but uses great patience to set up blocks. His ability to shrug off arm tacklers and stand up defensive backs will make him a factor in short-yardage situations.
All that said, the Cowboys probably want at least one veteran to make the roster. Blue had a fumbling issue last season and Mafah isn't the flashiest runner.
However, Schottenheimer's remarks all but confirm the two rookies could be heavily involved once Week 1 rolls around so long as their performance warrants it.
