Cowboys Face Two Major Unknown Issues With Crowded Running Backs Room at Camp

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys’ run game struggled—to say the least. Inconsistent play from the offensive line, combined with a running back committee lacking in big-time skill resulted in a very underwhelming ground attack. 

It’s something Dalls Cowboys fans aren’t used to seeing, especially after previous years of watching stars like in-his-prime Ezekiel Elliott and once-electric Tony Pollard put up big numbers in the backfield.

With starting running back Rico Dowdle hitting free agency at season’s end, the Cowboys knew change was necessary. 

So ...

This offseason, they brought some much-needed star power into the running back room. 

But is "different'' also "better''?

On March 10, Dallas signed former Denver Bronco Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal. Williams shined early in his career, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 2021. Just five days later, the Cowboys added even more depth by signing former Pro Bowler Miles Sanders to a one-year deal worth $1.34 million, including a $167,500 signing bonus.

But the Cowboys didn’t stop there. On the final day of the NFL Draft, they selected Texas Longhorn Jaydon Blue in the fifth round and Clemson’s Phil Mafah two rounds later. 

With Deuce Vaughn still on the roster, Dallas heads into the 2025 season with five running backs who could realistically contribute. (Count fullback Hunter Luepke and that's six.)

As of now, some think the early favorite to lead the backfield is Javonte Williams, followed closely by Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue. However, some analysts have been quick to put serious hype behind Blue, believing he has the potential to shock the league in his rookie campaign. 

Meanwhile, seventh-round pick Phil Mafah is considered a possible sleeper—an under-the-radar power back who could carve out a role and even compete for starting reps if things fall his way.

This running back room suddenly feels crowded, and the competition at training camp in Oxnard will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch. 

The eventual real question is ... who’s going to take control of the backfield?

The immediate real question is ... how will the depth chart ultimately stack up in a way that determines snaps?

In a sense, none of these guys (outside of Luekpke and Deuce) are known quantities here. So the coaches need to evaluate two things: How do they look when they get a rep ... and how many reps does a guy need to give answers?