The Dallas Cowboys finally got their running back, selecting Texas running back Jaydon Blue at No. 149 in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. And a short time later, Dallas traded up in the fifth and selected Florida linebacker Shemar James at No. 152.
Blue, a native of Houston, rushed for 730 yards and eight touchdowns on 134 carries in 15 games last season. He also had 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns.
There are questions about Blue's ability to be a three-down back, but Blue says he has the ability to do that in the NFL.
"Yes, sir, I do," Blue said when asked on 105.3 The Fan's Draft Show if he can be a starting running back. "I bring a lot of things to the table. I have speed. Great route-running ability. Able to catch the ball out of the backfield. I do a lot of things very well a lot other backs can't. I'm blessed to be in this position. I'm just ready to get a chance to fight for that starting position."
Blue joins a running back room that includes Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Hunter Luepke, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis.
Dallas quickly went to work after drafting Blue and swapped the 174th and 204th picks with the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the 152nd pick to select James.
James, a two-year starter with the Gators, joins a linebacker room that includes pass rusher Micah Parsons, Marist Liufau, DeMarvion Overshown, Jack Sanborn, Damone Clark and Kenneth Murray Jr.