Cowboys Draft ‘Starting Running Back’ and Trade

FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys have much to like about the value of the first three players they picked in the NFL Draft. Looking at the projected draft positioning of each prospect, Dallas has identified multiple pieces who should immediately contribute on the field. 

However, they waited until Day 3 to address their skill position needs. Cowboys Nation begged and pleaded for a wide receiver or running back to spice up this year's class. 

Dallas granted those wishes with their first fifth-round selection, taking Texas running back Jaydon Blue at No. 149 overall. Blue took center stage in the Longhorns backfield last season after a number of injuries left him the default starter for 2024. 

Blue capitalized on that opportunity with career high numbers across the board though apparent ball security problem hampered his final campaign. Nonetheless, his burst and speed makes him an exciting addition to the Dallas backfield - and maybe the starting back here when it’s all over.

The Cowboys followed that pick with a move to No. 152, trading up to draft linebacker Shemar James out of Florida. James had 50 tackles each of the last two seasons. 

According to Jerry and Stephen Jones, Jonathan Mingo serves as their fourth-round pick. While Cowboys fans can rest their demands for a running back, the wide receiver position remains a glaring problem. 

Frankly, that has not been the solution to the Cowboys' void at the No. 2 receiver spot. Heading into 2025, there is not much faith around Cowboys Nation that the trend will swing back in their favor. 

While the Cowboys sat back and watched Day 3 unfold, there was a major run on backfield talent. Once the Cowboys got back on the board, they did not miss out on their chance to get their own running back.

Team leadership has promised "substantive" moves behind the scenes. So far, none of those hints have materialized into anything concrete. 

Again, the Cowboys have much to like about what they have done with the draft so far. But the focus will stick to what they have not done more so than what they have.