FRISCO, Texas - Football season is getting closer and closer.
The Cowboys are set to depart for training camp in less a month. That's when we'll get the first up-close look at Brian Schottenheimer's first season with this revised roster and coaching staff. When we get to Oxnard, that's when we'll start to get some real answers about this 2025 Cowboys team.
But what are the questions? We've compiled our annual list of pressing questions that need answers heading into the regular season. The staff writers, consisting of Patrik Walker, Tommy Yarrish, Nick Eatman, Mickey Spagnola, Kyle Youmans and Kurt Daniels, weigh in on some of the pressing issues.
Today, we look at the running back position and take a guess as to who might start in Week 1.
5) Who is the starter at the RB position?
Tommy: As it stands right now, I'll say Miles Sanders. I think of all the backs in the room, he's got the most juice left and the best chance to benefit from a fresh start after Sanders struggled in his two seasons with the Panthers. It's hard to tell given what we've seen in padless practices who is rising to the top in the running back room, and will likely be a better question to monitor at training camp, but in shorts Sanders looks a bit more explosive compared to the rest of the group. Of course, guys like Javonte Williams will also have a shot and the room could very well be by-committee again, but I think Sanders gets the nod to start.
Mickey: Certainly, a TBD answer. Hard to judge running backs without the pads on, and that scheduled practice against the Rams and three preseason games will help make the final determination. But if we follow the money and what took place in the offseason 11-on-11 sessions, the leader going into training camp would be Javonte Williams who has been taking the majority of the first team reps. The better question is not who's the starter, but who is the finisher. The Cowboys will carve out roles in camp for Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke but seems little chance the Cowboys will keep five running backs. Three and a fullback (Luepke) is more likely. Williams is carrying a $3 million cap hit on a one-year deal, with the most guaranteed money. The other four candidates have cap hits in the vicinity of $1 million. Seems the Cowboys won't ignore the rookie Blue's speed element, so the open spot might come down to Sanders or Vaughn.
Kyle: In my opinion, the running back position is still one of the top concerns out of any position group on the roster. Not because they don't have the talent, but because it's all unproven in the current situation.
Dallas has claimed they want a stout rushing attack and dominating presence on the ground but have failed to establish the run over the last two seasons. Are two veterans (Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders) and two rookies (Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah) the answer? Maybe they can be as a group, but who will lead the charge? I believe Williams is the best suited to become a lead back in 2025, but it'll be up to his early production to see if he holds on to it.
Patrik: There is no way to answer this question at the moment, and that's largely because the only familiar faces in the room are a still-unproven Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke; and with a premium pick not being used to address the position. Jaydon Blue's home run ability will run up against that of JaVontae Williams' and Miles Sanders has to hold off both of them along with a bruiser in rookie Phil Mafah. It's four new faces, two being rookie late-round draft picks, and nothing will be even remotely settled until things get underway at training camp and throughout the preseason.
Nick: My prediction is Miles Sanders. I know Javonte Williams seems to be the leader and Jaydon Blue has the speed the Cowboys covet, but I think at the end of the camp, the guy who will do just about everything the best - is Sanders. He'll catch the ball as well as anyone, he'll have just enough speed and quickness and of course, the intangibles needed to play the position. Week 1 at Philly, I think the former Eagle Sanders is the starter.
Kurt: I don't think even the Cowboys know yet who is going to be the starting running back, but I'm of the mindset you don't necessarily need an all-world rusher to have a successful ground game. Does it help? Of course, but we shouldn't just assume failure because Dallas doesn't have Emmitt Smith in the backfield. While we often talk about the run setting up the pass, that works both ways, so the Cowboys formidable aerial attack should open up opportunities to rush the ball. As far as who will get the starting nod, I think at this point you have to lean toward Javonte Williams, given his experience, but that's obviously subject to change. Regardless, although it's doubtful the Cowboys will lead the league in rushing, I don't see them bringing up the rear either in 2025.
