The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with a revamped running back room, poised to surprise the NFL with a dynamic and versatile rotation. After losing Rico Dowdle to the Carolina Panthers and parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott once again, the Cowboys have assembled a trio of running backs—Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue—who could form one of the league’s most unpredictable and effective backfields.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak recently highlighted the Cowboys’ running back competition as they head into OTAs, noting a shift from last season’s committee approach. “The Cowboys were seemingly unsatisfied with their committee approach featuring Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott last season,” Solak wrote. “But for some reason beyond my understanding, they are set to enter camp with a committee featuring Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue. Surely this year the Cowboys won’t be punished by not having a back they can trust!”
What makes this group intriguing is the diversity of their running styles, which could allow Dallas to exploit defenses in multiple ways. Javonte Williams brings a bruising, physical presence, capable of wearing down opponents with his power. Miles Sanders offers elusive speed and agility, making him a threat in open space. Meanwhile, Jaydon Blue, the rookie out of Texas, combines explosive playmaking with untapped potential, giving the Cowboys a fresh spark.
While a committee approach could maximize the strengths of all three backs, there’s potential for one to emerge as the leader of the pack. Blue, in particular, has a strong case to become the standout. As a rookie, he carries none of the wear-and-tear that Williams and Sanders have accumulated over their NFL careers. Both veterans have shown signs of decline as their mileage has piled up, which could relegate them to complementary roles rather than featured backs.
With the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles still months away, the Cowboys have ample time during OTAs and training camp to evaluate their options. Whether they stick with a balanced rotation or establish a hierarchy with Blue or another back taking the lead, this trio has the potential to transform Dallas’ backfield into a versatile and dangerous unit. If they gel, the Cowboys’ new-look running game could catch the NFL by surprise in 2025.