Cowboys news: Looking at RB competition entering training camp

The latest news surrounding the Cowboys is here.

Cowboys Depth Chart: Which running backs have the edge going into training camp? – Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The running back battle is one of the more intriguing situations on the Cowboys roster.

SAFE (2): Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue

When Schottenheimer said this offseason that he uses multiple receiving backs in his offensive system, Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue immediately came to mind. Williams’ 52 receptions in 2024 with the Denver Broncos was the sixth-most across the league at the running back position, and Blue’s 368 receiving yards were the 10th-most among all FBS running backs in college football last season.

There isn’t a solidified starter in the room just yet, and that player could very well come from outside of this duo. But with the receiving ability of Williams and Blue, it would be tough to find a reality where either are not on the roster on cut day.

ON THE BUBBLE (3): Miles Sanders, Phil Mafah, Hunter Luepke

Miles Sanders is about as close to being in the “safe” category as a player could be after a strong showing in OTAs and minicamp in his first offseason with the team, but he remains on the bubble because of his recent on-field performances over the last two years (637 yards and three touchdowns in 27 games). If he had been signed to a multi-year contract in free agency, maybe there would be more confidence in his ability to be a safe option going into camp.

What Schottenheimer decides to do with the running back position will be interesting, as the standard three running backs on a 53-man roster could see an exception if he decides to carry a fourth. Hunter Luepke doesn’t necessarily factor into that thinking with his unique role as a fullback and outside blocker, but Schottenheimer hasn’t yet commented on if he values his role as much as Mike McCarthy did.

Rookie Phil Mafah is probably the biggest question mark in the room. While he does bring more physicality and potentially more value in short yardage situations, can he be productive at the NFL level without breakaway speed and a receiving game to match?

Cowboys must secede from predictable offensive tendencies – Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire

Dallas certainly needs to get more modern on offense.

Predictability can be an NFL offense’s worst enemy. In today’s game, deception is almost as important as the talent on the field. If opposing teams what to expect before the snap, then they are smart enough to know how to beat it. While this applies to both sides of the ball, it is one of the many changes Cowboys fans hope to see implemented from new head coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2025.

When it comes to their offensive tendencies, Dallas needs to declare independence from transparency. It’s one of few advantages of having a first-time head coach at the helm — no one knows exactly what to expect.

Even though Schottenheimer has been in Dallas for two years, he’s been stuck in a supportive role behind Mike McCarthy. With McCarthy now out to pasture and Schottenheimer seizing the play caller role, it’s anyone’s guess what an unbridled Schottenheimer offense looks like. And that’s a good thing.

Which position is the most pressing need? DallasCowboys.com

Dallas has several positions that still need help.

Tommy: I’ll stick with what I’ve been saying all offseason: Defensive tackle. Yes, the Cowboys kept Osa Odighizuwa in the fold and that’s a good thing. He’s been their most consistent player on the interior of the defensive line and still has a lot of room to get better. Outside of Odighizuwa, I’m not the most confident in the rest of the room there especially with how much the Cowboys have struggled to stop the run in recent years. I hear the arguments about how teams had more success running outside on Dallas than on the interior, but the Cowboys still gave up 5.1 yards per carry on runs inside and outside in 2024. If you get to the runner before they can reach the outside, you don’t have as many issues defending the outside run.

Mickey: Previously would have said wide receiver, but the Cowboys took care of that pressing need by trading for veteran George Pickens. That still leaves the Cowboys with a couple of pressing needs, but the good thing is, more so from a depth standpoint. First, the backup offensive swing tackle. Who is that? Currently would seem to be Asim Richards entering his third season but only having played in 21 games with but one start. Maybe veteran Rob Jones could be a candidate, but the Cowboys signed him to primarily provide some veteran depth at guard, though first rounder Tyler Booker seems to have that starting right guard already locked up. Jones did play tackle in college at Middle Tennessee State. They will stay on the lookout for an inexpensive backup alternative when roster cuts some down.

And then cornerback for sure, especially without knowing when two-time Pro Bowl corner Trevon Diggs will be ready to resume playing since still rehabbing from his knee surgery and at this point can only hope third round draft choice Shavon Revel, still rehabbing from his torn ACL suffered after the third game this past season at East Carolina, will be ready to start the season. After that, it’s DaRon Bland, maybe last year’s fifth-rounder Caelen Carson and veteran Kaiir Elam, the former first round evidently bottoming out in Buffalo.

Latest Trevon Diggs video should fire up Dallas Cowboys fans – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated

The former interception king continues to make strides in his rehab.

Diggs is again working his way back to health following offseason surgery and while the updates have been positive, none have been as encouraging as the one that surfaced this week. Diggs was seen taking 1-on-1 reps with Florida State wide receiver Elijah Moore, and he looked every bit the player we remember.

Moore, who is listed as a redshirt freshman, stands 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds. He had just two receptions in three appearances. He’s not the same caliber player Diggs will be asked to guard on Sundays, but his ability to stick with and win several battles, with a massive target, is highly encouraging.