Blue struggled or consistency in Year 1, and entering Year 2, he's going to have to have some sort of second-year leap.
There will perhaps be no player that the Dallas Cowboys will be watching more intently this offseason than running back Jaydon Blue.
The former Texas Longhorn had an inconsistent rookie season, with Brian Schottenheimer routinely stating what the running back had to do to get a uniform on game day.
Consistency both on and off the field.
Our own Mike Fisher also detailed some of Blue's weaknesses, citing the rookie's high pad level being something Dallas had to coach him out of. Not to mention his lack of patience in waiting for running lanes to open up.
But Jaydon was a rookie.
He took his lumps, and in Week 18, he got his chance, and we saw everything we wanted to see from Blue.
There was the burst and lightning-quick feet, not to mention his ability to rip off a big run (27 yards).
So we head into the offseason knowing exactly what Blue has in his locker, but are we sure he's ready to be a dependable backup to Javonte Williams, if the veteran re-signs?
Fish has stated the Cowboys' "Thunder and Lightning" vision for Williams and Blue in 2026, which most Cowboys fans would be on board with. Providing Blue shows enough in the offseason that he's deserve of that role.
And for ESPN's Todd Archer, he thinks Blue will begin the offseason as the No. 3 back, presumably behind Williams and Malik Davis.
"Schottenheimer said the talent is there," Archer wrote. "It's up to Blue to take the next step as a pro, but he comes into camp as the No. 3 back at best.''
The Davis vs. Blue RB2 battle is a fascinating conversation.
Malik, based on what he did coming in off the couch as a relief pitcher for Javonte, means he is deserving of at least trying to usurp Blue.
As for Jaydon, he has tools Davis doesn't, including his lightning speed and his skills as a receiver.
But if you thought Blue was going to walk into the Cowboys' offseason program as RB2, you might be sadly mistaken.
Yes, he showed flashes. But to be Williams' backup on one of the best offenses in football, you need to offer more than that.
Time will tell if Blue is capable of it.