The Dallas Cowboys addressed their backfield need by drafting running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the loss of Rico Dowdle to free agency, the Cowboys were expected to prioritize a running back earlier in the draft, especially after Ashton Jeanty was taken by the Raiders at pick No. 6. They opted for Alabama guard Tyler Booker at No. 12, a decision that garnered mixed reactions from fans, particularly linebacker Micah Parsons who had hoped for a skill position player like Tetairoa McMillan, picked by Carolina at No. 8.

Blue is not projected to be a workhorse back, as he averaged less than 15 carries per game during his college career, sharing duties with Quintrevion Wisner at Texas. The Cowboys’ rushing leader last season, Dowdle, posted over 1,000 rushing yards, making the expectation for Blue's immediate impact modest. However, his blazing speed, clocked at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, offers potential for a valuable complement to the existing backfield that includes veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.