Jaydon Blue Could Win Fantasy Managers a Championship This Year

As fantasy football draft season heats up for 2025, finding those hidden gems—running backs who can outperform their Average Draft Position (ADP)—is the key to building a championship-caliber roster. While the spotlight often shines on early-round stars like Saquon Barkley or Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s the late-round picks with breakout potential that can truly tilt the scales in your favor. One such player generating buzz is Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue, whose combination of opportunity, talent, and a favorable situation makes him a prime candidate to deliver massive value in redraft leagues. Let’s dive into why Blue stands out as a sneaky value RB who could propel your team to a title in 2025, along with a few other under-the-radar running backs to target.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys: The Rookie Ready to Steal the Show.

Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round pick out of Texas, is quickly becoming a fantasy darling for sharp managers in redraft leagues. Despite entering the NFL in a loaded running back draft class, Blue’s situation in Dallas screams opportunity. The Cowboys’ backfield is currently headlined by veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom have struggled in recent years and are coming off lackluster seasons. Williams, once a promising talent, averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2024 with Denver, while Sanders has been a shadow of his 2022 self, posting a dismal 3.5 yards per carry over two seasons with Carolina. Neither veteran is locked into a significant role, as both signed modest one-year deals, signaling Dallas’ lack of long-term commitment. This opens the door for Blue to seize a meaningful role, potentially as early as Week 1.

Blue’s college profile at Texas further fuels optimism. In his final season, he racked up 1,098 combined yards (730 rushing, 368 receiving) and 14 total touchdowns on 176 touches, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility. His 42 receptions for 368 yards and six receiving touchdowns highlight his prowess as a pass-catcher, a critical skill in today’s PPR-heavy fantasy landscape. Add in his blazing 4.38 40-yard dash time (fifth among RBs at the 2025 NFL Combine) and a 1.52-second 10-yard split, and Blue brings elite speed and burst to a Cowboys offense desperate for playmakers. His 3.95 yards after contact per carry and 10.8 yards after catch per reception, per PFF, underscore his ability to turn touches into big plays.

Recent training camp reports have only amplified the hype. Despite an early offseason rumor from a former Cowboys staffer labeling Blue as “borderline lazy”, a claim Blue and current coaches have dismissed as baseless,the rookie has been turning heads. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently praised Blue’s professionalism, speed, and dynamic playmaking, noting his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. Blue has been taking reps with the first-team offense, including alongside Dak Prescott, a sign he’s earning the trust of the coaching staff. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with reports of Blue’s one-handed diving catches and standout performances in camp, suggesting he’s shaking off any early concerns and positioning himself for a significant role.

The Dallas offense, while not elite in 2024, has the pieces to rebound in 2025. A healthy Dak Prescott, an improved offensive line bolstered by rookie guard Tyler Booker, and the addition of George Pickens as a WR2 should create a more balanced attack. The Cowboys’ run-heavy tendencies under Schottenheimer, who has historically leaned on a balanced offense, bode well for Blue. Dallas ran the ball just 38.9% of the time in 2024, but with an upgraded line and a shaky backfield, they’re likely to lean more on the ground game. Blue’s pass-catching ability aligns perfectly with Prescott’s preference for targeting running backs in the short passing game, especially with a lack of proven pass-catchers beyond CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens being more of a go route type player.

At an ADP of RB41 (per FantasyPros), Blue is a steal in the later rounds of redraft leagues. His path to touches is clear, whether as a receiving back or potentially the lead rusher if Williams and Sanders falter. While his 5-foot-9, 198-pound frame may limit his goal-line work, his big-play ability and three-down skill set make him a high-upside flex option with RB2 potential. If he secures the starting role, a top-24 finish among running backs isn’t out of the question, making him a league-winner at his current draft cost.

Winning a fantasy football redraft league often comes down to finding value in the later rounds, and Jaydon Blue is the epitome of a sneaky pick with league-winning potential. His combination of a wide-open depth chart, elite speed, pass-catching prowess, and a promising role in a potentially resurgent Dallas offense makes him a must-draft in 2025. Pair him with other under-the-radar RBs like Kaleb Johnson and RJ Harvey, and you’ll have a stable of high-upside backs ready to carry your team to a championship. Keep an eye on training camp developments, but don’t sleep on these guys, your league mates certainly won’t.