The Texas product is a projected mid-round selection in this year’s draft.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL meetings earlier this month, head coach Mike Vrabel said that the New England Patriots adding another running back through the draft would be “potentially something that we would like to do.” Vrabel’s team does have Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson atop the depth chart at the moment, but there are several suitable candidates to fill the “good, young runner” role the first-year coach mentioned.
Among them is Texas’ Jaydon Blue, one of the most explosive backs in this year’s draft class.
Hard facts
Name: Jaydon Blue
Position: Running back
School: University of Texas
Opening day age: 21 (01/08/2004)
Measurements: 5’9”, 196 pounds, 8 1/4” hand size, 29 7/8” arm length, 75 1/2” wingspan, 4.38 40-yard dash, 29 1/2” vertical jump, 10 3/8” broad jump, 6.34 Relative Athletic Score
Experience
Colleges: Texas (2022-24)
Career statistics: 38 games (5 starts) | 616 offensive snaps, 93 special teams snaps | 214 carries, 1,161 rushing yards (5.43 yards/attempt), 11 TDs | 75 targets, 56 receptions (74.6%), 503 receiving yards, 7 TDs
Accolades: N/A
A track star and all-state running back in high school — who chose to forego his senior year of high school to prepare for the college game and stay healthy — Blue remained in state and committed to Texas over several other highly ranked programs.
Arriving on campus in 2022 as one of the top recruits in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s first class, Blue saw just 15 carries as the top of the depth chart was occupied by future first-round draft pick Bijan Robinson.
With NFL bound Jonathan Brooks still on the roster in 2023, Blue again did not draw a start but saw his workload increase in a backup role. He totaled 65 carries for 398 yards — including his first career 100-yard game against Texas Tech that included a 69-yard touchdown run.
Taking over a more prominent role in the Longhorns offense last season, Blue showcased his ability to make plays on the ground and through the air. He became the first Texas running since Robinson to account for four touchdowns (three rushing) in one game en route to leading all FBS backs with six receiving scores. Blue then had a career-game in Texas’ CFP first round win over Clemson as he posted a career-high 146 rushing yards on 14 attempts and two touchdowns — taking one 77 yards in the fourth quarter.
Following a quieter CFP Quarterfinal, Blue made his presence felt as a pass catcher hauling in five receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns in a Semifinal loss to Ohio State. He then elected to skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft — accepting his invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl before ultimately pulling out.
Draft profile
Expected round: Day 3 | Consensus big board: No. 143 | Patriots meeting: 30 visit
Strengths: The sprinter background on the track and 4.3 40 speed are easily visible on the football filed, as Blue is an electric runner who has the ability to take any handoff to the house with breakaway speed. He can quickly turn the corner to get up field and change direction to make defenders miss — as over 70 percent of his rushing yards came after contact.
Perhaps the most enticing part of Blue’s game is his work as a pass catcher. He is deadly on wheel routes out of the backfield and is a tough tackle in the screen game averaging over 12 yards after the catch per reception on catches behind the line of scrimmage. Texas also used Blue both out wide and in the slot to create mismatches against second and third-level defenders.
Weaknesses: At 5-foot-9, 196 pounds, Blue will likely be limited to a part-time back at the next level. His frame will also impact him in pass protection which will need to take step forward, although the compete is there.
As a runner, Blue can do better working through the line of scrimmage with his eyes and must protect the football. He put the ball on the ground seven times over the last two years including five fumbles this past season.
Patriots preview
What would be his role? Joining a backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, Blue’s explosiveness could lead to him mixing in on early downs right out of the gate for the Patriots. New England will certainly want to take advantage of his pass catching ability too, but Blue must prove he can be relied on in pass pro to be on the field on later downs.
What is his growth potential? Blue will likely never lead an NFL backfield, but has the ability to be a change-of-pace option with his home run speed and make an impact as a pass catcher — if he can prove to be trustworthy in pass protection. The fumbles also need to stop in order for him to consistently see the field.
Does he have positional versatility? As mentioned above, Texas used Blue’s pass catching skillset to their advantage by moving him all around the formation. In 2024, that included 57 snaps in the slot and 23 out wide. And while he did not play special teams last season as his offensive usage increased, Blue spent time over the first two years of his collegiate career on kick coverage.
Why the Patriots? Speaking at the league meetings, Robert Kraft noted the Patriots would look to add a “speed back” in the draft. Enter Blue, who would also give Josh McDaniels a versatile pass catcher out of the backfield. New England hosted Blue on a 30 visit.
Why not the Patriots? With Stevenson and Gibson already on the roster which may lead to them deeming it not worthwhile to use a third- or fourth-round pick at the running back position — especially one who could bring more ball security issues to the depth chart.
One-sentence verdict: Bringing speed and pass catching ability out of the backfield would make Blue a strong fit to the current roster and offensive scheme.
What do you think about Jaydon Blue as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.