Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Javonte Scouting Report Unveiled by Cowboys Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 12:27 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' run game was one of the worst in football last season until Rico Dowdle was given the keys.

With a big need to drastically improve the run game and the room as a whole, the Cowboys signed Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams in free agency to give the rushing attack some veteran leadership, but also some juice with Sanders and Williams both providing something different.

Despite the signings, many expect the Cowboys to draft their lead back for 2025, but that doesn't mean Sanders and Williams will be without a role.

And head coach/offensive play-caller Brian Schottenheimer loves everything that Williams is about as a person and player.

“Really excited about Javonte,” Schottenheimer said. “I love his short-area quickness, the power he runs with. You look at him, talk to him, the hunger that he has coming back off the injury, some of the best players I've ever been around are guys that have chips on their shoulders. Javonte is one of those guys, he's hungry, and we're always looking for guys that have that. We feel really good about his ability just to run the football, for a guy that's maybe not as tall as other backs, his pass protection's really good ...

"We feel really good about that addition.”

Javonte's pass protection is a big plus for the Cowboys, as the team struggled at times with it last season. With Schottenheimer's offense looking to run the ball and then use play action off of it, Dak Prescott will need a back who can recognize and then pick up blitzes, something Ezekiel Elliott was outstanding at.

The signings of Williams and Sanders don't move the needle for fans, but both come to The Star with a point to prove, and that is a very motivating factor for players.

Plus, they will come into an offense that wants to run the ball and has hired two coaches, Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, who have experience developing good rushing attacks.

Of course, with the number of backs on the roster - and one more likely to be added via the NFL Draft - training camp will likely see a battle ensue, and the Cowboys will be hoping that whoever makes up the room in 2025 will play a key role in getting Schottenheimer's "physical' offense rolling.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: