The Dallas Cowboys knocked it out of the park in the NFL Draft, so it speaks volumes that fifth round pick Jaydon Blue is generating the most buzz of any pick. Then again, running back is a lot of fans' favorite position, so it makes sense why folks are gravitating toward Blue.
What has Cowboys fans divided, though, is Blue's jersey number.
The former Texas speedster was the only Dallas draft pick to appear at the NFL Rookie Premiere so the fan base got to see Blue in his full Cowboys uniform for the first time. While Blue's No. 34 was aesthetically pleasing in the team's practice jersey, the game day uniform left something to be desired.
Cowboys fans are split on rookie RB Jaydon Blue's jersey number
Is No. 34 an egregious number for a running back? Not one bit.
NFL legends Earl Campbell and Walter Payton both repped No. 34. Cowboys legend Tony Dorsett wore No. 33 on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fellow Hall of Fame running backs Jim Brown and Marcus Allen donned the No. 32 jersey for their entire careers.
Having said that, Blue looked special in the No. 23 at Texas. Unfortunately, that number currently belongs to linebacker Buddy Johnson.
A Dallas native, Johnson has spent the last two seasons with Dallas. He was a practice squad mainstay in 2023 before appearing in 14 games last season. He only played five defensive snaps, but was a key cog on special teams, playing 83% of the snaps. You never know how the roster battle will shake out, especially with Dan Sorensen stepping in as special teams coordinator.
Johnson wore No. 57 with the Cowboys last season. He also repped No. 45 and No. 51 with the Steelers before joining America's Team. Maybe he and Blue can work out a deal so the latter can honor his Longhorn roots. Most football fans would agree that the No. 23 should not be worn by a linebacker.
Again, No. 34 is not a heinous number for a running back. Far from it. But Blue's appearance at the NFL Rookie Premiere fell short of expectation relative to his debut in a Dallas practice uniform. He belongs in the No. 23 jersey.
