In the world of the NFL draft, hindsight often reveals missed opportunities, and the Dallas Cowboys are currently facing that reality as they part ways with two running backs from their 2025 draft class. Jaydon Blue, selected 149th overall, and Phil Mafah, taken 239th overall, have both been released as the Cowboys finalize their initial 53-man roster for the upcoming season. With neither player returning to the practice squad—Blue has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles—it's time to examine what could have been for Dallas.
The Cowboys have been in search of reliable running back depth over the past two seasons, making the release of Blue and Mafah particularly disappointing. Both players were expected to contribute, but neither made a compelling case to secure a spot on the roster. This situation highlights the importance of identifying potential talent during the draft, as the Cowboys missed out on alternatives that could have filled their needs at the running back position.
One notable player who could have been a valuable addition is Kyle Monangai, selected 233rd overall by the Chicago Bears. The Rutgers standout, standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 211 pounds, was viewed as a polarizing prospect by scouts. Despite his size, Monangai proved to be a reliable option, running for 783 yards and scoring five touchdowns during his rookie season. His success rate on runs exceeded 50 percent, a stark contrast to Blue's 36.8 percent success rate over 129 yards. This performance raises questions about the Cowboys' decision-making process during the draft.
Another player who emerged as a surprise performer is Jacory Croskey Merritt, who was the last running back selected in the 2025 NFL draft at 245th overall. The Arizona product, slightly built at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, was initially overlooked due to his age and limited experience against top-tier college teams. However, as a seventh-round pick for the Washington Commanders, Croskey Merritt rushed for an impressive 805 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie year, achieving a rushing success rate of nearly 54 percent. His breakout season underscores the Cowboys' oversight in not selecting him, especially since he was rated higher than Mafah by some analysts.
The Cowboys' choices in the draft were influenced by their desire for speed and potential, as seen in their selections of Blue and Mafah. However, the performances of Monangai and Croskey Merritt demonstrate that sometimes a focus on reliability and proven production can yield better results. As the Cowboys move forward, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough scouting and evaluation during the draft process.
While the Cowboys may have been drawn to the physical attributes of Blue and Mafah, the success of Monangai and Croskey Merritt illustrates the value of selecting players who can consistently perform at a high level. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they will need to address their running back situation once again, hoping to find the right balance between potential and proven ability.
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