Cowboys Mailbag: How could running back shake out behind Javonte Williams?
It’s time for another Cowboys Mailbag, where we answer your burning Dallas Cowboys-related questions each week.
Remember, to submit a question, you can either reply to my weekly X post when it is sent out and maybe get pulled from the selection, or you can email me at nharris@star-telegram.com to guarantee a response.
Let’s dive into this week’s collection of questions.
Q: Who do you feel has the best chance at securing the RB2 role (backup running back), and what does that role realistically look like? — @32BeatWriters
A: First off, I love your page’s work. Thank you for the content you guys provide. 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. I think the role could look different from what it did in 2025. To help maximize Javonte Williams’ three-year contract, I would be surprised if he gets the 287 touches he got a year ago. As a result, look for the guy(s) behind him to work into early passing down situations. I still like Williams as the third down pass protector until someone behind him can show his value there.
Q: Are we thinking about the wrong safety being the green dot? Instead of Downs, it could be Jalen Thompson (he’s done it before). — @hitstickmaster2
A: I’ve felt like Jalen Thompson has the better shot at being the green dot if it doesn’t go to a linebacker, anyway, to be honest. Like you said, he has the prior experience, and he has a deep understanding of what they are going to try to do schematically on that side of the ball. With that being said though, they have stated this offseason that the green dot will most likely be a linebacker. I still think Thompson will have a shot at it, but I’d probably bet on Dee Winters.
Q: Is there any interest on the Cowboys’ side in Von Miller and what kind of role would he have? — @white1276494
A: I saw the rumor on social media a couple of days ago that Von Miller named the Cowboys and Broncos as his two preferred destinations. First off, he never said that. Make sure you guys get your news from reputable sources! Secondly, the Cowboys don’t have any interest as of now in adding a veteran piece. I do think that has a great chance of changing after training camp similar to how it did in 2024 with Linval Joseph and in 2025 with Jadeveon Clowney. Whether that ends up being a guy like Miller or Clowney, I don’t have that exact answer so far out, but it wouldn’t surprise me if another name is added there before Week 1.
Q: Which returning TE is most likely to not make the team to make room for the rookies? — @calahan67
A: Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford are roster locks heading into next season. As for the guys behind them, I think everyone should be on watch — most notably Luke Schoonmaker. He obviously hasn’t lived up to his second-round billing, but he’s been able to hang around for his point-of-attack blocking skills. Unless undrafted free agent signing D.J. Rogers passes him up in that department, I think he keeps his spot at least one more year. As for Michael Trigg, he just brings a different skill set. If he shines bright enough in camp, I think they would carry four tight ends and maybe pull a spot from wide receiver or another position.
Q: Who will be the starting corners for the Cowboys next season? — @Redman_Lyons
A: For my money, give me Daron Bland and Cobie Durant on the outside and Caleb Downs in the slot. Bland’s health will obviously be a big determining factor in him locking down a starting role in time to start the year. For Durant, he will compete directly with Shavon Revel Jr. and rookie Devin Moore for the role on the opposite side. I give Durant the edge just because of the experience and ball production. Revel could very well be that guy, but he has to prove that his knee is at 100-percent and that he can get out of the brace. As for Downs, I think he’s a lock for the nickel role.
Q: Give us a player we aren’t talking about, but will surprise in camp and make a run at a roster spot. — @BigPapaZimmer
A: Circling back to the talk on the running back position, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a strong camp out of undrafted free agent signing Dominic Richardson. He’s a stout 6-foot, 205 pounds with pass protecting and receiving ability, and he put together his best body of work in his final season at Tulsa in 2025 that should have him entering his rookie year with a lot of confidence. It will basically be five guys competing for two roles (Blue, Davis, Mafah, Richardson, Israel Abanikanda), but I like Richardson’s youth and maturity to wow some folks in Oxnard.
