ESPN: The Cowboys officially sign a talented starting running back from the Texas Longhorns.
The Jaydon Blue choice has been highly embraced by Cowboys Nation after it was made. … and now the Texas Longhorns standout is signed.
To the consternation of many fans, the Dallas Cowboys waited until Day 3 of the NFL Draft to obtain much-needed running back depth.
But … Jaydon Blue, a talented running back from Texas, was selected by Dallas in the fifth round.
And all of a sudden, Cowboys Nation appears to be a joyful place.
With Phil Mafah of Clemson and his strong running style, which contrasts with Blue’s explosive pace, the organization later double-dipped at the position in Round 7.
It took until pick No. 149, but it could have been sooner if Dallas had traded into the fourth round to take him as they intended. Fortunately, he was still available in the fifth. This now creates a four-man competition for the summer between the two rookies and the two free agent signings, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.
And now, on Monday, he the former Texas Longhorn is officially under contract after signing a four-year agreement worth $4.267 million with a signing bonus of $427,068 according to ESPN.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, a second-round pick, is now the sole Cowboys rookie who is still unsigned.
The scouting team thought Blue was among the best running back prospects in the class, based on the Cowboys’ rankings prior to the Draft.
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports there were many coaches who indicated Blue falls just behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton as the greatest ball carriers available.
Third-best? That’s startling. Dallas, however, will accept it.
It’s as good of a deal as the Cowboys could get to choose the man they believed to be the third best at his position in the fifth round. To be honest, they were fortunate that Blue slept on teams and remained available till the fifth.
Despite his late pick – and how many sites tell you Dallas will roll out a running-back-by-committee approach – don’t ignore on Blue’s ability to affect the backfield in 2025.
Many people in The Star think he may end up starting for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer going into training camp.
On Day 1, Blue may replace Schotty as the Cowboys’ top running back pass receiver since Schotty thrives with a flexible running back. During his final two seasons with the Longhorns, he amassed more than 500 yards via the air.
Although Blue will undoubtedly need to improve his physicality and ball handling, there is a lot to be thrilled about in Dallas’ “slept-on” superstar. His lightning-fast 4.38 40-speed is sure to raise your eyebrows, and his signing is a significant step forward.
