One of the most well-rounded NFL offseasons in 2025 came from the Dallas Cowboys. The franchise opted for more measured and less flashy moves, except the trade for George Pickens, and addressed key needs through the draft to avoid overspending on aging veterans.
With minicamp underway, all eyes are now on Dallas’ rookies, as fans hope to see someone emerge as a fresh contributor for the upcoming season. For the Cowboys, that name might be Jaydon Blue, the fifth-round running back out of Texas who could potentially carve out a role on a roster that still has needs.
Why Jaydon Blue Is the Top Rookie To Watch in Cowboys’ Minicamp
The 2024 season was disastrous for the Cowboys in many ways. The team’s overall competitiveness took a hit, with injuries hitting the roster across the board, most notably from quarterback Dak Prescott and cornerback Trevon Diggs. Other areas of the roster, by extension, also suffered from the lack of offensive threat caused by these absences.
Without Prescott, Dallas’ passing game lost its bite, further exposing a backfield already lacking talent. Rico Dowdle managed to crack 1,000 yards, but even so, the team finished 30th in yards per carry (4.0) and dead last in rushing touchdowns with just six.
While Dallas made some moves in free agency to add veterans Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, neither is likely to take on a lead role. Williams never quite found his footing with the Denver Broncos, and Sanders is past his prime and has settled into more of a complementary role wherever he goes.
That brings us to Blue — a running back who, despite not being the focal point at Texas, has the athletic traits to grow into the type of back Dallas desperately needs this season. While it’s unlikely he’ll be the lead ball carrier from Week 1, he currently offers the most long-term upside in the unit.
JAYDON BLUE, HOW DO YOU DO?!?! 🔥
A 77-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO MAKE IT A TWO-SCORE GAME VS. CLEMSON 😱 pic.twitter.com/cCzmh6V5W2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 22, 2024
PFSN writer Brandon Austin selected one rookie from each team to watch during minicamp, and noted that Blue stands out for his elusive traits and lighter build, which align with what today’s NFL increasingly demands.
“Jaydon Blue is a rookie running back with home-run potential. Though he was never the featured back at Texas, Blue routinely showed off elite burst, sharp change-of-direction skills, and receiving ability that fits perfectly in today’s NFL. He comes in with low mileage and looked more polished as the 2024 college season progressed,” Austin wrote.
Through minicamps, we’ll better understand where Blue is in his development and how his athleticism and physical tools stack up against the veteran players on the field. That will offer a clearer picture of when he might start playing a more prominent role in Dallas.