Cowboys' fan favorite rookie predicted to achieve unlikely goal for a late-round draft pick that Schottenheimer didn't rule out

The Dallas Cowboys have a running back problem. 

By now, chances are you've heard all about it but just in case, allow me to recap. The Cowboys are betting on two veterans that haven't averaged over four yards per attempt in two years and two late-round rookies. They also have Deuce Vaughn, who has struggled to get on the field so far and fullback Hunter Luepke. 

Pro Football Focus ranked it as the worst running back unit in the NFL and the only way you can argue against it is by projecting players to either bounce back or have unlikely years as rookies. 

My colleague Destin Adams is taking the latter, as he predicted the Cowboys' fifth-round draft pick Jaydon Blue to earn the starting role by the time Dallas comes out of the bye week in his NFL hot takes series. 

"I believe Jaydon Blue will take over as the Cowboys' starter by Week 11 for two reasons," Adams wrote. "First, I have a lot of faith in the player Blue can be at the NFL level, and second, I have very little faith in the veterans Dallas brought in this offseason. The Cowboys elected to give Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders a chance this offseason after they had failed to prove to their former teams that they can be a viable starting RB in the NFL." 

Brian Schottenheimer said Jaydon Blue was drafted because he was a candidate to start

Though it might not be much more than head coach talk, Brian Schottenheimer said post-draft the Cowboys thought Blue and seventh-round rookie Phil Mafah had a chance to start. 

"I would hope so," Schottenheimer bluntly told reporters when asked if he thought they could start. "Otherwise we wouldn't have drafted them.

But to get there, either of the rookies will have to stand out big-time in training camp. Blue is easily the most explosive back on the roster so he has a chance. But it will come down to playing well-rounded football if he wants to be named the starter. 

Analyst Kyle Crabbs said he's "out" on Adams' prediction. 

"I do buy that Blue can be this team's most productive runner, but I'm fading that he'll get the chance to seize the job this year altogether," Crabbs wrote. 

My take: Blue will be fun but not RB1

First of all, Blue's size will be a significant obstacle in the way for him to get RB1. 

Secondly, I fully believe Blue will be the most explosive runner but Javonte Williams is healthier than he's been in years and though I don't expect a great season from him, I see him as the best pass protector and receiving back on the team. He'll get most late downs at minimum. Miles Sanders also has a bigger chance to get starting reps than first appeared. 

Blue has an intriguing career ahead of him, but I need to see it first to believe it.