Who Should I Start? Jaydon Blue or Kaleb Johnson

Monday, May 12, 4:24 PM

The Athletic's Jon Machota writes that he thinks Dallas Cowboys running backs Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Miles Sanders and Phil Mafah will end up getting almost all of the backfield work for the team in 2025. Machota sees Williams being the leader early in the season, but eventually the rookie Blue will get more carries and lead the team in rushing. Machota thinks that by the end of the year, Blue, a fifth-round pick this year, will be their No. 1 RB. The 21-year-old Texas product is staying in state and will bring much-needed speed to Dallas' backfield this year. The 5-foot-9, 196-pounder isn't all that big, but he should complement the power of both Williams and Sanders well and provide a nice change-of-pace option with some pass-catching upside. Volume will certainly be a concern early on in Blue's rookie season, but he's not a bad late-round sleeper target for fantasy managers that wait at the position.

Monday, May 12, 12:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson knows he must improve his pass-blocking skills if he wants to earn the coaching staff's trust with the hope of becoming an "every-down back" sooner than later. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537), rushing touchdowns (21) and all-purpose yards (1,725) at Iowa in 2024. He's a scheme fit for Pittsburgh's zone-centric offense given his efficient production, writes The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. Even if the 21-year-old doesn't catch a ton of passes, he could stand out in fantasy with his big-play ability. There's opportunity in the Steel City, too, with Najee Harris no longer in town. Johnson is likely going to share touches with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but he probably has the highest fantasy upside of the trio already.