NFL expert says former Texas star is better than Pro Bowler with three-straight milestone seasons
The hype train continues to build for former Texas Longhorns and new Dallas Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue. First, he was projected to become the Cowboys' starting running back as a rookie. Now, he's being compared favorably to a recent NFL Pro Bowler. One veteran NFL scout believes Blue could be better than former Cowboy and […]
The hype train continues to build for former Texas Longhorns and new Dallas Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue. First, he was projected to become the Cowboys' starting running back as a rookie. Now, he's being compared favorably to a recent NFL Pro Bowler.
One veteran NFL scout believes Blue could be better than former Cowboy and current Titans back Tony Pollard, making the fifth-round pick a potential steal from the 2025 draft and a major boost to the offense.
On 105.3 The Fan’s G-Bag Nation, the hosts discussed the Cowboys’ draft winners and losers. While evaluating whether QB Dak Prescott benefited from this rookie class, Blue was highlighted as a key addition to enhance the offense and ease pressure on the quarterback.
Host Gavin Dawson compared Blue to Tony Pollard, calling him an elusive back with receiving skills, prompting strong agreement from Bryan Broaddus.
“Better player, I think. Better player.”
Broaddus, a former NFL scout turned Cowboys analyst, sees Blue in the mold of Pollard, who was Dallas’ best running back behind Elliott over the past decade.
Pollard earned a 2022 Pro Bowl nod and became the team’s lead playmaker as Elliott declined, eventually securing a franchise tag in 2023 before signing with Tennessee. In 2024, Pollard racked up 1,317 total yards and five touchdowns on 301 touches with the Titans.
Blue’s combine performance supports Broaddus’ high praise. His 4.38 40-yard dash and 1.52 10-yard split outpaced Pollard’s 4.52 and 1.59 from 2019, showing superior speed and explosiveness. Draft analyst Lance Zierlein also rated Blue higher than Pollard, projecting him as a third-round talent compared to Pollard’s sixth- or seventh-round grade.
So why did Blue slip to the fifth round? The 2025 running back class was exceptionally deep, with starter-caliber players available on Day 3. Pollard’s 2019 class, while solid with names like Josh Jacobs and David Montgomery, didn’t have the same hype. Additionally, Blue’s ball security issues raised concerns, which could limit his role unless addressed.
Pollard, however, had an edge in physicality. His ability to break tackles and maintain balance made him a reliable primary back, a role Blue must prove he can fill. Time will tell if Blue validates Broaddus’ bold claim. Pollard defied expectations to become a starter, and the Cowboys hope Blue can surpass him, providing the offensive spark they desperately need.
