The Dallas Cowboys are set in stone with Javonte Williams as their bellcow running back, but the question remains: Who can eventually widen the gap to become the true RB2?
That search has been active, as the Cowboys have already been linked to "veteran grinder," Nick Chubb. He's worth the bargain, but the Cowboys are loaded at RB as is, and if they want to keep their project in-house this offseason, fans may be interested to hear from what one beat writer has to say on the subject.
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is all over Cowboys fan favorite Malik Davis, and he's got the perfect opportunity to continue building momentum from late 2025.
"As for the RB2 role, I would give the slight edge to Malik Davis right now just based off last year’s late-season production. However, there is confidence in second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah to put up a legitimate fight for that role. I would assume the desire is that Blue becomes that guy, just because he brings a different speed and pass-catching element that the others in the room don’t.
Malik Davis has a legit shot to become RB2 behind Javonte Williams
The four-year undrafted man out of Florida has been mostly quiet in his NFL tenure, but he may be in the perfect position to explode as the perfect RB2.
Davis put on a show against the Kansas City Chiefs during Thanksgiving Day last season when he rushed for 47 yards and a score. From then, he became more involved in the rotation, and he has worked his way from the ground up since being undrafted in 2022.
It looks like Jerry Jones is going to leave their RB room the way it is and leave free agency out of the picture, but if Davis can capitalize on his momentum last season and also become satisfactory in pass blocking, he can be the perfect backup to Williams.
Jaydon Blue came in from Texas and was on track to explode on the depth chart with his explosive speed and ability to turn the corners, but Brian Schottenheimer clearly wasn't ready for him to set foot on the big stage quite yet.
Hunter Luepeke's role is safe as a fullback and a pass blocker, and it's clear Brian Schottenheimer isn't going to give up anyone who can protect Dak Prescott.
Phil Mafah may be the outcast of the group, but he may turn some heads come preseason time. But it's safe to say now, it's going to take everything and then some for him to make the cut on this loaded Cowboys offense.
Harris also flirted with UDFA RB Dominic Richardson from Tulsa, becoming a dark horse at camp. His 6-foot, 205-pound stature is enough to wow the coaching staff with pass-blocking abilities. It's a name to watch, but like Mafah, Richardson has a lot of work to do.
Cowboys fans have loved Davis's efforts and would love for him to get rewarded as the RB2. He'd better buckle up, though, there's a lot of competition this summer.
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