The Dallas Cowboys are set to begin the second round of Organized Team Activities as fans and media get their first glimpses into this group’s potential.
Dallas had an incredibly aggressive offseason in which the team acquired a variety of players, answering many of the major questions that loomed following the end of the 2024 regular season.
However, the team must answer three major questions to become one of the best teams in the NFL next season.
Which Player Will Claim the RB1 Spot?
Unsurprisingly, the biggest question for Dallas entering next season is based on the running back position.
Currently, three players on the team—Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue—have a legitimate chance to claim this spot.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Williams is viewed as the heavy favorite to enter next season as the team’s featured running back, but there are still opportunities for both Sanders and Blue to step into that role.
Williams is coming off a disappointing season in 2024, with only 513 rushing yards and four touchdowns, meaning both Sanders and Blue could claim this spot with an impressive stretch leading into the season.
Sanders posted only 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 2024 but possesses a similar skillset to Williams, with the ability to play both between the tackles and on the outside with space.
However, Blue is the most likely candidate to snatch the role as the main running back from Williams, as the rookie has incredible speed and the ability to turn small gains into explosive plays.
Blue ran the second-fastest 40–yard dash of any running back at the NFL Combine at 4.38 seconds, making him one of the fastest rookies in the entire league.
Blue’s speed alone makes him an intriguing prospect as a rookie, but his best aspect is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Blue finished his final season at the University of Texas with 368 receiving yards and six touchdowns, making him an ideal choice for a three-down running back who can succeed in both rushing and passing sets.
Additionally, Blue spent just one season as the top running back option for the Longhorns, but he had a chance to learn behind multiple high-level running backs, including Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Brooks, and Roschon Johnson.
All three of these players were highly touted entering the league and likely taught Blue some lessons about being successful at the highest level while still with the Longhorns.
While he may not start the season as the top running back, largely due to his status as a rookie, Blue has a good chance of taking over that role by midway through the season.
Choosing the correct player as the main running back early in the season will be paramount for the Cowboys’ success next season, and the good news is that three players have a chance to claim that title.
Which Players Will Make The Leap?
Every season, the most successful teams in the league have players who exceed expectations and become consistent producers at the highest level.
Last season, the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles received surprising contributions from rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
In 2023, the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs saw second-year defensive end George Karlaftis and rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice each contribute in meaningful ways.
Now, Dallas must find at least two players who can exceed expectations next season and make an impact against the best teams in the league.
There are already a few candidates who could take that leap next season and exceed expectations, including multiple rookies and multiple players entering their second or third season with the team.
The potential rookie contributors include defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel, who are each entering advantageous situations relative to their positions.
Both Ezeiruaku and Revel will likely open the season high on the overall depth chart, with the potential to move up in the chart with solid performances or injuries to other players on the roster.
Outside of the two rookies, there are two candidates to take a major step forward next season, with Tyler Guyton and Mazi Smith each having the potential to become major contributors next year.
Guyton struggled mightily in his rookie season, but he has many of the physical tools needed to be successful at left tackle.
Combine the natural growth at the position with the addition of offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who is considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the league, and there is a chance that Guyton will become a formidable player on the left side of the offensive line.
Similarly, Mazi Smith has a chance to take a major step forward in his third season in the NFL.
Smith saw an impressive increase in both his snap count and overall statistics in his second season in the league, yet there are still major steps he can take to improve as a player.
Despite struggling at times with his motor and tackling, Smith finished the 2024 season with 41 total tackles and 5.5 stuffs.
Like each rookie, Smith’s position has no major competition entering next season, meaning he will have the chance to continue his growth under new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton.
Finally, Smith is entering an important season in his career, with Dallas likely beginning to explore replacements if he does not take the next step forward.
This potential should light a fire under Smith entering next season, as it could be one of his final seasons with the franchise.
How Will Brian Schottenheimer Perform In First Season As Head Coach?
One of the most important questions entering the 2025 season is how well the coaching staff will perform.
Dallas chose Brian Schottenheimer to lead the team in the future after moving on from Mike McCarthy this offseason. By hiring the first-year head coach, Dallas took a major risk.
While Schottenheimer has received glowing reviews through his first few months at the helm, there are still reasons to be wary of the hire.
Schottenheimer previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2006 to 2011, the St. Louis Rams from 2012 to 2014, and the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020 before joining Dallas in 2023.
These stops were a roller coaster for Schottenheimer, who led his teams to just one season inside the top 10 of total yards and only four seasons inside the top 10 in total points scored.
Despite these struggles in his previous stops, Schottenheimer brings a completely different energy to a Cowboys team that seemingly lacked fire in recent years.
Multiple team members, both returning and new additions, have spoken highly about the new culture in the organization, pointing to Schottenheimer’s work to promote competitiveness.
Now, he and the rest of the coaching staff will have a chance to prove their worth in the 2025 regular season.