Miles Sanders, Javonte Williams, and Jaydon Blue will be tasked with trying to shift the narrative surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' run game when training camp begins next month.
With Sanders flashing at OTAs and minicamp, with Williams and Blue also getting used to their new surroundings, when the pads come on in Oxnard, the true evaluation of the group can begin.
Don't forget Deuce Vaughn and Phil Mafah either; however, both are seen to be on the outside looking in at this stage.
For Pro Football Focus, the running back position is a battle to watch.
"Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders headline the competition, with rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah aiming to carve out complementary roles," Pro Football Focus writes. "While both Dowdle and Sanders have faced challenges in recent years, each offers upside. Sanders earned an 84.8 rushing grade on gap runs last season (albeit in a limited sample), and Dowdle ranks in the 77th percentile in yards per route run over the past two seasons."
Hmm, no mention of Deuce. That likely indicates his position in the pecking order, which we already knew.
As for the rest, Sanders and Williams loom as the two who will get first crack at the starting role, with Miles seen as ahead in the race. Both have key traits that Schottenheimer is looking for, including the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield, the ability to break tackles, and possess good pass protection skills.
As for Blue, he offers the lightning-quick change-up, and how he progresses throughout camp will be an interesting watch with the rookie wanting to be a menace as a pass-catcher.
Then there are Mafah and Deuce, who are both down the depth chart, but training camp will give both the chance to stake their claim.
The Cowboys' run game has options, and it is surrounded by optimism in 2025, something it lacked a year ago.
But the ultimate test awaits in just under a month.
Who will have their hand raised at the end of camp?
