Running back group could become a strength for this offense

[Cowboyny]

Javonte Williams was an excellent value signing for the team last offseason. Team finally found a legitimate physical back that excels in those dirty yards. His play did suffer later in the season due to his workload.

We have heard good reports this spring on both Blue and Mafah. Blue is the homerun speed back that we haven't had since Pollard left for the Titans. Mafah projects as that ideal backup for Williams, tough/physical runner. Malik Davis is a veteran mixture of them both.

Opposing teams will look to limit the Cowboys passing attack, which will lead to light boxes for our run game to exploit. If our backs can bring solid production, it will allow the team to manage Williams workload.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I think we probably saw the best case scenario from Williams in 2025, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a valuable runner, but I anticipate closer to league average starter type of numbers.

I’m really intrigued by Blue. If he can take a step forward and command significant snaps it gives the offense a ton of flexibility. There’s simply a different element when he is on the field.

 

[MarcusRock]

There's Williams, Davis and then there's ? We've heard encouraging things about Blue and if there's going to be a needle-mover, he'd be the one so let's see.

 

[LouBrown]

Blue has potential to really uplift the group but it's a pedestrian RB room other than that.

Williams is a nice player, but he's not special. Pretty much every team has a guy like him.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I think we probably saw the best case scenario from Williams in 2025, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a valuable runner, but I anticipate closer to league average starter type of numbers.

I’m really intrigued by Blue. If he can take a step forward and command significant snaps it gives the offense a ton of flexibility. There’s simply a different element when he is on the field.

I agree too thunder and not to be rude I don't think he has that season he had last year. I was watching mafah on some highlights, maybe he gives Williams a breather and takes reps away from him to keep him fresher

 

[big dog cowboy]

Williams is a nice player, but he's not special.

He looked pretty special last year. BIG upgrade from Dowdle.

 

[LouBrown]

He looked pretty special last year. BIG upgrade from Dowdle.

Not really. 3% improvement in success rate and .2 improvement in yards per carry. Dowdle was much better as a receiver.

They're basically the same player.

 

[Kwyn]

It’s the same running back room we had last year, minus Miles Sanders who is gone

RB1: Williams
RB2: TBD of Blue, Davis and Mafah
RB?: UDFA Dominic Richardson

Richardson was a five year college player, has a RAS of 5.88 (out of 10) and is already 25 years old.

I think we’ll find out pretty quick if Williams is up to the task, although it seems unlikely he can repeat.

I just don’t see how RB is a strength. I think it’s more likely a weakness, particularly should Williams have even some minor nagging injury.

 

[beware_d-ware]

Javonte kind of reminds me of a mid-career Zeke. Short-yardage hammer, excellent in pass pro, not much big-play ability. He's a mid tier starter, but doesn't have the do-it-all game of a true workhorse.

Blue could be his Pollard... we will have to see if the coaches trust him. The raw ability is there.

Davis is just a straight-ahead RB3 type. He's fine for that reserve role, but has zero ceiling.

 

[zrinkill]

 

[kskboys]

Blue has potential to really uplift the group but it's a pedestrian RB room other than that.

Williams is a nice player, but he's not special. Pretty much every team has a guy like him.

Not even remotely true. The RB who can make something out of nothing is a rarity in the NFL. Williams is top 10 and RBs like him are very hard to find. Burst and power are topnotch.

 

[BlindFaith]

At least as of now, Israel "Izzy" Abanikanda is still on the roster. Hes jumped around from team to team, but from a talent perspective hes right up there with Williams.
Maybe he's just not that bright or just doesn't want to play? We should, hopefully, get a good look at him at camp and ps.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I think JW can have a DeMarco Murray-type impact and Blue lights have apparently come on.
So, yeah, I agree, we should see significant improvement from this room.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Our offensive tackles will need to step up for this strength to come to fruition.

 

[charron]

Williams is solid but I worry about for how long. He's a top 10 maybe 15 back at worst, but RB's can fall off quick. If they can get something out of Blue and or Mafa that's a bonus.

 

[Relayer]

Javonte Williams was an excellent value signing for the team last offseason. Team finally found a legitimate physical back that excels in those dirty yards. His play did suffer later in the season due to his workload.

We have heard good reports this spring on both Blue and Mafah. Blue is the homerun speed back that we haven't had since Pollard left for the Titans. Mafah projects as that ideal backup for Williams, tough/physical runner. Malik Davis is a veteran mixture of them both.

Opposing teams will look to limit the Cowboys passing attack, which will lead to light boxes for our run game to exploit. If our backs can bring solid production, it will allow the team to manage Williams workload.

Pollard runs a 4.5 forty. Not exactly a speed back. Blue is, if he can get it together.

 

[LouBrown]

Not even remotely true. The RB who can make something out of nothing is a rarity in the NFL. Williams is top 10 and RBs like him are very hard to find. Burst and power are topnotch.

Not even a little bit. Ranked 17th in RYOE/attempt.

 

[Relayer]

Not even remotely true. The RB who can make something out of nothing is a rarity in the NFL. Williams is top 10 and RBs like him are very hard to find. Burst and power are topnotch.

No wiggle though.

 

[Relayer]

I think JW can have a DeMarco Murray-type impact and Blue lights have apparently come on.
So, yeah, I agree, we should see significant improvement from this room.

Murray, the guy who set the team single season yardage record? Not likely.

 

[beware_d-ware]

Not even a little bit. Ranked 17th in RYOE/attempt.

Javonte is ranked 18th among running backs by AAV. I agree that he's not a special back at creating yards, but I think he's being paid fairly for what he offers.