A closer look at what Jaydon Blue is and isn't

[gimmesix]

I think Achane is a good comp. Blue will be an excellent weapon to have. I can see him occasionally lining up in the slot in some situations.

What he’s not is a bell cow who will get 15-20 rushes per game. He will need to be paired up with other runners.

I think he could average around 15-18, but I don't think he's a player you want to lean on for 25-30. Frankly, I prefer that to keep the legs fresh, especially for a speed back. Let Williams or Sanders or Mafah bang away for around 15 carries and put Blue in in advantageous situations. For example, first-and-10 is a hard down for a back because while you could pass, teams are prepared for you to run. Let the big boys bang in there when we do run the ball on first down. On second-and-8 through second-and-4, put in Blue because a pass is expected more than a run. If it's second-and-short or third-and-short, use the bigger back.

I've always hated the systems that use one back during a series or two, then stick in another back for a series before bringing back the first back. Yes, you do that if you have a stud you only want off the field to give him a breather, but when you have more equal backs, you run them to their strengths. Blue is not a back you use to close out a game. He's a racehorse you unleash when it's more likely he'll find room to run.

 

[Bamx]

The Cowboys 5th round draft pick RB Jaydon Blue is an intriguing player with lots of speed and elusiveness. That is certainly a skill missing from this team’s RBs since maybe Zeke’s rookie year. In 2016.

While Blue has blazing 4.25 speed and adds a welcome big play threat to this offense, he’s not particularly big nor has ever been “the guy” in terms of carries and touches while playing 3 seasons at the University of Texas.

Let’s look at what Jaydon Blue’s stats were as a RB as a Texas Longhorn over his 3 seasons there:

• 2022 season (Freshman season- played in 9 games)
  
  • Rushing: 15 carries for 33 yards, 2.2 yds per carry, 0 TDs
  • Receiving: 0 receptions
  • Total touches/yards- 15/33 yards, 0TDs
  • Avg 1.6 touches per game
• 2023 season (Soph season, played in 14 games)
  • Rushing: 65 carries for 398 yards, 6.1 yds pc., 3 TDs
  • Receiving: 14 receptions for 135 yds, 9.6 yds pc., 4 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 79/533, 6.7 yds per play, 7 TDs
  • Avg. 5.6 touches per game, avg 38 yards per game.
• 2024 season (Junior and final season at UT, played in 15 games)
  • Rushing: 134 carries for 730 yards, 5.4 yds pc, 8 TDs
  • Receiving: 42 receptions for 368 yds, 8.8 yds pc, 6 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 176/1,098 yards, 6.2 yds per play, 14 TDs
  • Avg. 11.7 touches per game, avg 73.2 yards per game
• TOTALS OVER 3 SEASONS:
  • Rushing: 214 carries for 1,161 yards, 5.4 ypc, 11 TDs
  • Receiving: 56 receptions for 503 yds, 9.0 per reception, 10 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 270 touches, 1,664 yds, 6.2 avg per play.
  • Total touches avg for 3 yrs: 38 games, 7.1 touches per game, 44 yds per game.

So over his three seasons at Texas, Blue averaged 7.1 touches per game for 44 yds per game. A better, more accurate look at what he can be is better captured in his numbers last year where he averaged about 12 touches a game for 73 yards per game.

CONCLUSIONS

• Jaydon Blue is fast, versatile and averaged about 6 yards per play in college. That’s very good, but not a particularly big workload.
• Blue is clearly not an every down back and will probably be a 8-12 touches a game at most as a rookie.
• If Jaydon Blue receives the largest share of carries for the Cowboys, it will be the FIRST time since he was a high school RB. He never led the longhorns in rushing yards or carries.
• I think Blue will make some big plays but I don’t expect to see him be more than part of a committee. Still glad he’s a Cowboy.

At this time we got to look at Blue more so as to what he is compared to the other RB's on the roster. If we look at the roster from top to bottom we can see there are plenty of flaws/issues with it, so in essence that means someone like Blue could potentially be the overall best option for the RB position. Now, how that translate on the field is going to be up to how the coaches decide to utilize him. If the guy is dynamic they need to come up with creative ways to get him top-end touches/attempts outside of just rushing attempts. ( per this , Blue is clearly not an every down back and will probably be a 8-12 touches a game at most as a rookie.)

 

[BlindFaith]

Blue will be the lead back by the end of the season, probably sooner.
He'll be getting a heck of a lot more than 12 carries per game (the number mentioned earlier).
He can run.

He won't be a good blocker, and will be a liability in that regard. Next draft, Dallas will still be in need of a 3-down workhorse back.

I guess its this logic that prompts the fan base to make insane projections, like us making the playoffs.

No way is Blue the lead back, at all this season. I really hope our lead back is still on another teams roster.

 

[Bamx]

I guess its this logic that prompts the fan base to make insane projections, like us making the playoffs.

No way is Blue the lead back, at all this season. I really hope our lead back is still on another teams roster.

None of the RB's on the roster are technically lead running back candidates. The two vets the Cowboys brought in are pretty much leftovers and the rest are rookies.
There is no clear cut RB 1 and or who will get the most touches ect

 

[BlindFaith]

Zeke ran a 4.47 (and that's a big difference. Just like 4.47 to 4.56 would be) and Blue was injured at the Combine and "supposedly" ran much faster at his Pro Day. There is no comparison between the two from a speed perspective even before Zeke slowed down.

My issue with Blue is that even after Texas lost their top back for the year before the season started, Blue had 134 carries and Wisner had 226. I'm certainly not saying that means he can't succeed in the NFL, but it is something to take note of.

Thanks for the speed correction.

Agree that there are many reasons why Blue was a 5th rd pick and in no way should be projected to carry this run game.

 

[BlindFaith]

None of the RB's on the roster are technically lead running back candidates. The two vets the Cowboys brought in are pretty much leftovers and the rest are rookies.
There is no clear cut RB 1 and or who will get the most touches ect

Yep. Been saying that for weeks now.

 

[Bamx]

Thanks for the speed correction.

Agree that there are many reasons why Blue was a 5th rd pick and in no way should be projected to carry this run game.

Who do you think would lead the running back? They all have their issues going into the season

 

[Praxit]

...when I see him, I think Alvin Kamara right off the back. The ability, agility and speed.

Also not a work horse, I believe. Giving Blue maybe 1st and 3rd downs. Get those neccassary yards to move the chains.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

He was. Keeping your head in the sand wont change that.

Yes....he was in the first round. By us (not even a consensus "us")....NOT by "everyone:" as you claim. Keep your head in the sand if that helps you.

 

[Bobhaze]

Let’s keep this discussion civil. Disagree all you want. But the name calling and insults are the fastest way to lose an argument and a place in this thread.

 

[Hardline]

Blue will have his biggest plays running between the tackles.

 

[BlindFaith]

Who do you think would lead the running back? They all have their issues going into the season

Ive said it. Hopefully hes on another roster at the moment.

Giving away our 4th for Mingo hurt. Could have gotten someone there.

Drafting another DE in the second (while good value) could have yielded us one (Harvey, Johnson)

Thats why every single move a GM makes is so important and why we are a mess right now.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

The Cowboys 5th round draft pick RB Jaydon Blue is an intriguing player with lots of speed and elusiveness. That is certainly a skill missing from this team’s RBs since maybe Zeke’s rookie year. In 2016.

While Blue has blazing 4.25 speed and adds a welcome big play threat to this offense, he’s not particularly big nor has ever been “the guy” in terms of carries and touches while playing 3 seasons at the University of Texas.

Let’s look at what Jaydon Blue’s stats were as a RB as a Texas Longhorn over his 3 seasons there:

• 2022 season (Freshman season- played in 9 games)
  
  • Rushing: 15 carries for 33 yards, 2.2 yds per carry, 0 TDs
  • Receiving: 0 receptions
  • Total touches/yards- 15/33 yards, 0TDs
  • Avg 1.6 touches per game
• 2023 season (Soph season, played in 14 games)
  • Rushing: 65 carries for 398 yards, 6.1 yds pc., 3 TDs
  • Receiving: 14 receptions for 135 yds, 9.6 yds pc., 4 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 79/533, 6.7 yds per play, 7 TDs
  • Avg. 5.6 touches per game, avg 38 yards per game.
• 2024 season (Junior and final season at UT, played in 15 games)
  • Rushing: 134 carries for 730 yards, 5.4 yds pc, 8 TDs
  • Receiving: 42 receptions for 368 yds, 8.8 yds pc, 6 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 176/1,098 yards, 6.2 yds per play, 14 TDs
  • Avg. 11.7 touches per game, avg 73.2 yards per game
• TOTALS OVER 3 SEASONS:
  • Rushing: 214 carries for 1,161 yards, 5.4 ypc, 11 TDs
  • Receiving: 56 receptions for 503 yds, 9.0 per reception, 10 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 270 touches, 1,664 yds, 6.2 avg per play.
  • Total touches avg for 3 yrs: 38 games, 7.1 touches per game, 44 yds per game.

So over his three seasons at Texas, Blue averaged 7.1 touches per game for 44 yds per game. A better, more accurate look at what he can be is better captured in his numbers last year where he averaged about 12 touches a game for 73 yards per game.

CONCLUSIONS

• Jaydon Blue is fast, versatile and averaged about 6 yards per play in college. That’s very good, but not a particularly big workload.
• Blue is clearly not an every down back and will probably be a 8-12 touches a game at most as a rookie.
• If Jaydon Blue receives the largest share of carries for the Cowboys, it will be the FIRST time since he was a high school RB. He never led the longhorns in rushing yards or carries.
• I think Blue will make some big plays but I don’t expect to see him be more than part of a committee. Still glad he’s a Cowboy.

Thank you, mate, for your work to get us this!

 

[BlindFaith]

...when I see him, I think Alvin Kamara right off the back. The ability, agility and speed.

Also not a work horse, I believe. Giving Blue maybe 1st and 3rd downs. Get those neccassary yards to move the chains.

Kamara is 20lbs heavier.

 

[plasticman]

The Cowboys 5th round draft pick RB Jaydon Blue is an intriguing player with lots of speed and elusiveness. That is certainly a skill missing from this team’s RBs since maybe Zeke’s rookie year. In 2016.

While Blue has blazing 4.25 speed and adds a welcome big play threat to this offense, he’s not particularly big nor has ever been “the guy” in terms of carries and touches while playing 3 seasons at the University of Texas.

Let’s look at what Jaydon Blue’s stats were as a RB as a Texas Longhorn over his 3 seasons there:

• 2022 season (Freshman season- played in 9 games)
  
  • Rushing: 15 carries for 33 yards, 2.2 yds per carry, 0 TDs
  • Receiving: 0 receptions
  • Total touches/yards- 15/33 yards, 0TDs
  • Avg 1.6 touches per game
• 2023 season (Soph season, played in 14 games)
  • Rushing: 65 carries for 398 yards, 6.1 yds pc., 3 TDs
  • Receiving: 14 receptions for 135 yds, 9.6 yds pc., 4 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 79/533, 6.7 yds per play, 7 TDs
  • Avg. 5.6 touches per game, avg 38 yards per game.
• 2024 season (Junior and final season at UT, played in 15 games)
  • Rushing: 134 carries for 730 yards, 5.4 yds pc, 8 TDs
  • Receiving: 42 receptions for 368 yds, 8.8 yds pc, 6 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 176/1,098 yards, 6.2 yds per play, 14 TDs
  • Avg. 11.7 touches per game, avg 73.2 yards per game
• TOTALS OVER 3 SEASONS:
  • Rushing: 214 carries for 1,161 yards, 5.4 ypc, 11 TDs
  • Receiving: 56 receptions for 503 yds, 9.0 per reception, 10 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 270 touches, 1,664 yds, 6.2 avg per play.
  • Total touches avg for 3 yrs: 38 games, 7.1 touches per game, 44 yds per game.

So over his three seasons at Texas, Blue averaged 7.1 touches per game for 44 yds per game. A better, more accurate look at what he can be is better captured in his numbers last year where he averaged about 12 touches a game for 73 yards per game.

CONCLUSIONS

• Jaydon Blue is fast, versatile and averaged about 6 yards per play in college. That’s very good, but not a particularly big workload.
• Blue is clearly not an every down back and will probably be a 8-12 touches a game at most as a rookie.
• If Jaydon Blue receives the largest share of carries for the Cowboys, it will be the FIRST time since he was a high school RB. He never led the longhorns in rushing yards or carries.
• I think Blue will make some big plays but I don’t expect to see him be more than part of a committee. Still glad he’s a Cowboy.

Excellent assessment. Accurate and.....brave.

I don't fault fellow posters for wanting more, hoping that Blue is a special, hidden gem. I think it is important for some posters to realize that, the higher the expectations, the deeper the possible reality.

Blue is going to be a very useful piece of the offense for at least four seasons. he could be more. He could shock, it happens, but that should not be the expectation.

As time and game experience go by, Blue will be a great RB2, hopefully not this season. If he is the RB2 this season it will be due to injury or disappointment by one of the two veterans.

I see Blue as a specialty back this season with an average snap count of ten per game. That doesn't mean he gets the ball ten times a game, he will make a very useful decoy as well.

I don't think any team deliberately goes into the draft to get a starting RB in the 5th round unless he is both generational and unavailable in the immediate future (shout out to Herschel).

I would rate the overall potential of the RB squad as average. The O-line still requires at least one more season of experience and togetherness, if you will.

No one should be disappointed. Last season was the worse offensive rushing numbers in the league. If not for the Dark Ages of the Campo years, they would be the worse in franchise history.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Blue will have his biggest plays running between the tackles.

That seems to be one of the things he needs a lot of work on.

 

[BlindFaith]

Excellent assessment. Accurate and.....brave.

I don't fault fellow posters for wanting more, hoping that Blue is a special, hidden gem. I think it is important for some posters to realize that, the higher the expectations, the deeper the possible reality.

Blue is going to be a very useful piece of the offense for at least four seasons. he could be more. He could shock, it happens, but that should not be the expectation.

As time and game experience go by, Blue will be a great RB2, hopefully not this season. If he is the RB2 this season it will be due to injury or disappointment by one of the two veterans.

I see Blue as a specialty back this season with an average snap count of ten per game. That doesn't mean he gets the ball ten times a game, he will make a very useful decoy as well.

I don't think any team deliberately goes into the draft to get a starting RB in the 5th round unless he is both generational and unavailable in the immediate future (shout out to Herschel).

I would rate the overall potential of the RB squad as average. The O-line still requires at least one more season of experience and togetherness, if you will.

No one should be disappointed. Last season was the worse offensive rushing numbers in the league. If not for the Dark Ages of the Campo years, they would be the worse in franchise history.

Average? Name a team with a worse starting group?

 

[StarBoyz83]

I really dont see blue playing much this season. He’s easily the least experienced rb on the roster.

 

[Bamx]

I really dont see blue playing much this season. He’s easily the least experienced rb on the roster.

The whole RB crew is iffy from top to bottom. They all have their issues going into the season

 

[conner01]

The Cowboys 5th round draft pick RB Jaydon Blue is an intriguing player with lots of speed and elusiveness. That is certainly a skill missing from this team’s RBs since maybe Zeke’s rookie year. In 2016.

While Blue has blazing 4.25 speed and adds a welcome big play threat to this offense, he’s not particularly big nor has ever been “the guy” in terms of carries and touches while playing 3 seasons at the University of Texas.

Let’s look at what Jaydon Blue’s stats were as a RB as a Texas Longhorn over his 3 seasons there:

• 2022 season (Freshman season- played in 9 games)
  
  • Rushing: 15 carries for 33 yards, 2.2 yds per carry, 0 TDs
  • Receiving: 0 receptions
  • Total touches/yards- 15/33 yards, 0TDs
  • Avg 1.6 touches per game
• 2023 season (Soph season, played in 14 games)
  • Rushing: 65 carries for 398 yards, 6.1 yds pc., 3 TDs
  • Receiving: 14 receptions for 135 yds, 9.6 yds pc., 4 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 79/533, 6.7 yds per play, 7 TDs
  • Avg. 5.6 touches per game, avg 38 yards per game.
• 2024 season (Junior and final season at UT, played in 15 games)
  • Rushing: 134 carries for 730 yards, 5.4 yds pc, 8 TDs
  • Receiving: 42 receptions for 368 yds, 8.8 yds pc, 6 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 176/1,098 yards, 6.2 yds per play, 14 TDs
  • Avg. 11.7 touches per game, avg 73.2 yards per game
• TOTALS OVER 3 SEASONS:
  • Rushing: 214 carries for 1,161 yards, 5.4 ypc, 11 TDs
  • Receiving: 56 receptions for 503 yds, 9.0 per reception, 10 TDs
  • Total touches/yards: 270 touches, 1,664 yds, 6.2 avg per play.
  • Total touches avg for 3 yrs: 38 games, 7.1 touches per game, 44 yds per game.

So over his three seasons at Texas, Blue averaged 7.1 touches per game for 44 yds per game. A better, more accurate look at what he can be is better captured in his numbers last year where he averaged about 12 touches a game for 73 yards per game.

CONCLUSIONS

• Jaydon Blue is fast, versatile and averaged about 6 yards per play in college. That’s very good, but not a particularly big workload.
• Blue is clearly not an every down back and will probably be a 8-12 touches a game at most as a rookie.
• If Jaydon Blue receives the largest share of carries for the Cowboys, it will be the FIRST time since he was a high school RB. He never led the longhorns in rushing yards or carries.
• I think Blue will make some big plays but I don’t expect to see him be more than part of a committee. Still glad he’s a Cowboy.

The fact he wasn’t used more doesn’t mean he can’t be used more. I don’t know if you want him getting 20 carries a game but don’t think that’s even the plan. I don’t see us using an every down back. I think we use multiple backs which is getting more common around the league. Need to get him the ball in space and let him do his thing. Some running the ball, some designed passes and some as a dump off target in passsing game.