When the Dallas Cowboys finally decided to pull the trigger on a running back during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a whole lot of eyebrows went up across the league—and for good reason.
The decision didn’t just raise questions—it lit up social media, sports radio, and fan forums. With Ezekiel Elliott long gone and Tony Pollard no longer in the picture, the Cowboys were heading into the 2025 season with what could only be described as a “thin” backfield. So when they waited that long to bring in a rookie rusher, it felt like either a bold move or a risky oversight. But here's the thing—it might be both. Or neither.
🔥 The Wildcard Pick: Who Is Jaydon Blue?
Let’s talk about Jaydon Blue, the fifth-round pick out of Texas. If you’re not a draft junkie or a Longhorns fan, you may not have heard much about him. But Blue's got serious upside—and some major question marks. He’s a 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back with elite speed. We're talking 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, second-fastest among all RBs in the draft class. That’s serious juice.
But speed alone doesn’t get you into the Hall of Fame—or even a long NFL career.
🚩 Flash vs. Fundamentals
Here’s where things get interesting. Blue wasn’t a featured back at Texas. In fact, he barely eclipsed 1,100 rushing yards across three seasons. That’s not a typo. Despite his eye-popping athleticism, he was more of a role player than a workhorse. The biggest strike against him? Ball security. In 2024 alone, he coughed up the football five times. And when you’re trying to make your mark in a stacked Texas backfield, that’s not how you earn trust.
But let's not overlook context. Texas has been a running back factory in recent years. Between NFL-ready bell cows and bruising role players, it’s been tough for anyone to stand out. Blue may have gotten buried under a crowded depth chart more than anything else.
✨ Home Run Potential
And here’s the flip side—the upside that has Dallas fans cautiously optimistic.
Jaydon Blue is a home run hitter. Give him an inch of daylight, and he might just take it 70 yards to the house. His tape is filled with those jaw-dropping moments where he flashes that next-level acceleration. This isn’t a guy who’s going to grind out 3.8 yards per carry between the tackles all game. He’s more of a lightning bolt waiting for the right storm.
It’s worth noting that Blue wasn’t overworked in college. He logged just 214 carries in three years. That low usage rate is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it means he hasn’t taken the pounding that a lot of college backs absorb. On the other, it raises the question: Why didn’t he play more?
🧠 The Mental Game
Some scouts, like The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, have been critical of Blue’s vision and patience. They say he lacks natural instincts when it comes to following blocks and finding running lanes. That could be due to limited reps, or it could be a deeper issue. Either way, it’s a red flag.
Still, those same scouts admit he’s got raw talent that you just can’t coach. And with the right system and staff around him, there’s hope he can refine his game.
👀 Cowboys' Calculated Gamble
So why did the Cowboys roll the dice?
There are a few theories. The most obvious one: they just don’t value the running back position like they used to. The league has changed. The days of investing first-round picks in backs are mostly over. Teams want RBs on cheap rookie deals with explosive potential. That’s exactly what Blue represents.
But there’s also the idea that Dallas sees something in Blue that others missed. Maybe they believe he’s been underutilized. Maybe they think his fumbling issues are fixable. Or maybe they’re banking on his big-play ability to complement a committee approach.
💡 Not a Bell Cow, But That’s Okay
Let’s be clear: Blue probably isn’t going to carry the ball 25 times a game. That’s just not who he is right now. But that doesn’t mean he’s destined to be an afterthought either.
He’s got the build to handle a decent workload, and his pass-catching ability makes him even more valuable. In an era where running backs need to contribute in the air game, Blue checks that box. He works well in space and has the agility to make defenders miss.
In the right scheme—think misdirection, spread concepts, designed screens—he could be a real asset. And with Dallas signaling they want to emphasize the ground game more in 2025, his timing might actually be perfect.
🧱 Buildable, Not Broken
One of the most compelling aspects of Blue’s profile is that he’s moldable. This isn’t some 23-year-old with a ton of miles and bad habits. He’s still developing. He’s got physical tools that can’t be coached, and if the Cowboys’ running back room is more open than it looks, Blue could carve out a real role.
But—and this is key—he’ll need patience. From fans. From the coaching staff. From himself.
🎯 Boom or Bust… But Worth the Wait?
Jaydon Blue is the definition of a “boom or bust” prospect. Could he be a future starter, an electric change-of-pace back who breaks games open? Absolutely. Could he fizzle out due to inconsistency, lack of vision, or ball security issues? That’s on the table too.
But what makes this pick exciting is the unknown. It’s not safe. It’s not boring. It’s not a third-string offensive tackle from South Dakota State. It’s a lottery ticket—and sometimes, that’s what you need to shake things up.
Final Take:
The Cowboys are betting on Blue’s upside, not his résumé. And while that might not calm fans looking for immediate help in the backfield, it’s a bold play that could pay dividends.
If Dallas develops him right, this fifth-round pick could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft.
But don’t rush to judgment. Jaydon Blue’s story in Dallas is just beginning. And whether he ends up being a footnote or a franchise piece—well, that’s going to be one wild ride to watch.
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