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The Cowboys have a lot of room to get creative in how they utilize fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue, a running back from Texas.
Most players selected on the third day of the NFL draft (when Rounds 4 through 7 are held) are typically expected to contribute as reserves and/or special teamers in Year 1.
Last season, 11 of 157 Day 3 selections started eight or more contests, up one from the 2023 draft class but down from 16 in 2022. Linebacker Tyrice Knight (Round 4, Seahawks), guard Mason McCormick (Round 4, Steelers), cornerback Tarheeb Still (Round 5, Chargers) and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (Round 4, Panthers) were among those 11 after being listed here last May. Tanor Bortolini (Round 4, Colts), receiver Troy Franklin (Round 4, Broncos), corner Decamerion Richardson (Round 4, Raiders), Chau Smith-Wade (Round 5, Panthers) were other players I included in this article last year who contributed significantly during their first year.
A rookie’s talent is certainly a factor in how often he sees the field at the next level, but injuries to veterans and positional-group depth often determine draftees’ playing time. Here are 16 Day 3 picks from the 2025 NFL Draft who could get regular starts during their first season, ranked in order of the likelihood they will get the opportunity:
Rank 1
Jaydon Blue
Texas · RB
Drafted: Round 5, No. 149 overall
The Cowboys might begin the year with starting reps going to veteran backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but Blue should have a chance to be the guy for the Blue-and-Silver by midseason. The Texas product’s home run-hitting ability as a runner and receiver makes it imperative that he’s on the field.
The Dallas passing offense needs to find more easy completions, yet another area Blue can help right away out of the backfield.
Blue, a running back out of Texas, could push for starting time at running back for the Cowboys, but his impact as a receiver is currently flying under the radar. In his final season at Texas, Blue impacted the game as a runner, but also as a threat in the passing game. In 2024, Blue hauled in 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns.
Blue was one of the best route runners in this class at the receiver position showing a consistent ability to beat man coverage and find soft spots in zones to pickup chunk yardage in the Longhorns passing game. The Cowboys struggled to get running backs involved in the passing game under Mike McCarthy, but Brian Schottenheimer has talked a lot this offseason about how he wants...
