Cowboys' Jaydon Blue Making Coaches Take Notice Of 1 Underrated Trait

Fifth-Round Pick Blue Surprises with Power Running

More Than Just Speed: Jaydon Blue’s Patient Approach Impressing Cowboys Coaches

When the Dallas Cowboys selected Texas running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round, many focused on his blazing 4.39 speed and its potential impact on Brian Schottenheimer's offense. Blue, at 5'9" and 196 lbs, isn't your typical bruising back. Many assumed he'd be a shifty runner who relies on agility and outside runs.

However, as training camp unfolds in Oxnard, Blue has emerged with a surprise: his willingness to run between the tackles.

“Jaydon’s very patient, he’s a patient runner,” Cowboys running backs coach Derrick Foster said. “He's got a really good feel for it. Got natural instincts. Some of those traits that you really look for in a back. Once he sees that opening space, he’s not been afraid to stick it up inside in the hole and really try to lower his pads.”

Foster continued, "Now, we still got to work on that a little bit, but he’s really surprised me in terms of being able to run between the pads. That was one of the things that I really wanted to see, with his stature and his body build, could he do that? I think he’s done a really good job of displaying that ability to be able to run between the tackles.”

While Schottenheimer will likely lean on Javonte Williams, Hunter Luepke, or Phil Mafah for those inside runs due to their larger frames, Blue's newfound physicality adds another dimension to his game. It provides valuable depth and a potential X-factor as he competes for a roster spot.

Preseason games will offer crucial insights into Blue's development. Though Schottenheimer has stated the Cowboys won’t reveal their schemes in preseason, Blue will have the opportunity to solidify his place as a key offensive contributor.

“Jaydon isn't just a one-trick pony,” Foster said. “He’s got multiple ways of running with the football and that only bodes well for Dallas’ run game in 2025.”