The Dallas Cowboys significantly changed their running back position over the last two months, adding multiple players through free agency and the NFL Draft. The moves create competition for roles as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Veteran running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams joined the team in free agency. Both players bring NFL experience, including seasons with substantial receiving production. Sanders previously recorded a 1,200-yard rushing season with another club.
The draft added two players to the group. Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round selection, brings high-end speed, recording one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among running backs in the draft class. Phil Mafah, picked in the seventh round, adds a power element to the backfield. depth chart projections show a crowded position group heading into offseason workouts.
Returning players Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke also remain on the roster. Vaughn, entering his third year, seeks to establish a more prominent role after two seasons with limited impact. Luepke is listed as a fullback but contributes in the run game.
The Cowboys Running Back room now features a mix of experience and youth with varied skill sets. Blue demonstrated receiving ability in college, catching multiple touchdown passes. Mafah described his approach as bringing toughness to the position, emphasizing complementing the other runners.
Coaches face the task of determining roles among the group. The team ranked low in creating explosive runs last season. Blue's speed potentially addresses this need. The possibility of a committee approach at running back has been discussed, unlike relying heavily on one player as in past years.
While Blue offers speed, he also faces areas for improvement, including ball security and pass protection, common for smaller backs. Sanders, despite recent production dips, possesses experience as a lead back that other players on the roster lack. No player is guaranteed a spot or a lead role, making training camp competition important.
Phil Mafah discussed the collaboration within the new group.
"I feel like I can complement (the other running backs) really well, especially Jaydon," Mafah said. "Us being in the same class and him being a great speed guy, me being a power guy, I feel like we can feed off of each other, (as well as) the other running backs in the room.”
