The Dallas Cowboys running back tandem will look completely different in 2025 after overhauling the position. The front office brought in two players facing downward career trajectories, Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, both looking to compete for the starting job. On top of that, the Cowboys selected two on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, including a speedy one from the SEC.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted an SEC RB on Day 3
The Dallas Cowboys selected former Texas Longhorns Jaydon Blue 149th overall in the fifth round. Blue is considered a late-round steal and a possible Day 1 starter because of his agility, ability to change direction, receiving ability, and blazing speed. He finished with the second-fastest 40-yard dash by an RB at the 2025 Scouting Combine, at 4.38 seconds, as well as a jaw-dropping 4.28 and 4.29 at Texas’s Pro Day.
After a limited role on offense in his first two seasons, Jaydon Blue initially took over as the starter during the 2024 season. However, an ankle injury and the emergence of Tre Wisner caused him to lose the starting gig, but he put up solid numbers. Blue finished his junior year rushing for 730 yards on 134 carries and eight touchdowns, along with 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games and five starts.
He signed his rookie contract
According to Todd Archer, the Dallas Cowboys have signed Jaydon Blue to a rookie contract. As Archer points out, the deal is for four years and is worth $4.627 million with a $427,068 signing bonus. This leaves Donovan Ezeiruaku as the only remaining Cowboys’ draft pick not to sign a rookie contract.
The Cowboys have signed fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue to a four-year, $4.627 million deal that includes a $427,068 signing bonus. Only second rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku remains unsigned.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) May 12, 2025
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on the Day 3 steal
“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.”
