Cowboys ‘Shocking’ Rookie Playmaker Could Turn Heads: Ex-Dallas Star

Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but the Cowboys are preparing to enter the coming season with significant question marks at the running back position, having attempted to string together a pack of low-cost options that brings to mind the oft-maligned “committee” approach of 2024.

There is much to be determined, but the expectation is that the top of the depth chart will be manned by veteran signees Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, with Williams likely getting the nod as the starter. Popular Cowboys speedster Deuce Vaughn is in the mix, but he is also a candidate to be cut after training camp.

The wildcard in this mix is a little-discussed rookie running back tabbed in the fifth round of this draft by the Cowboys: Jaydon Blue. In three seasons at Texas, Blue did not make a major impact but did impress with his speed and ability to catch out of the backfield. He tallied just 1,161 yards on the ground in 38 career games with the Longhorns, but last season, added 42 catches for 368 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver.

Jaydon Blue ‘Maybe Shocking’

Despite the limited college resume, ESPN’s Marcus Spears, a star for the Cowboys for eight seasons from 2005-12, foresees Blue having an immediate impact as a rookie. He foresees a young and agile offensive line that is able to create space for Blue.

“I think the Dallas offensive line is going to be one of the more physical and athletic offensive lines when it comes to zone schemes and as far as getting running backs in lanes and allowing them to use speed,” Spears said, via Inside the Star.

“I’m looking forward to this rookie maybe shocking a lot of people. A lot of good stuff coming out on him when he was there for rookie minicamp and OTAs. The speed jumps off the page at 4.38. He could be an unsung guy that we could talk about a lot.”

In his last two seasons at Texas, Blue was behind starter Jonathon Brooks, a third-round pick last year, and the 2024 starter, Tre Wisner.

Cowboys Hoping for Quick Development

Indeed, Blue being on the board for the Cowboys in the fifth round was a welcome surprise. NFL.com rated him with a 6.11 grade, which translates to, “Good backup with the potential to develop into starter.” For Spears, that potential development could materialize sooner rather than later.

As the NFL’s scouting report read: “Blue played behind very good backs, so his carry count is lower, but he clearly has talent. He’s a narrow-hipped, linear runner with good speed to threaten wide and attack downfield out of the backfield. He has adequate wiggle in the open field but lacks base strength to break tackles.

“Blue’s lack of tempo and vision inside gets him behind schedule and could limit how teams use him as a ball-carrier. While he can be labeled a ‘change-of-pace slasher,’ his real value will revolve around his ability to mismatch linebackers and threaten defenses as a receiver out of the backfield.”