Next Man Up: Malik Davis Has Opportunity to Make Waves in 2025 Cowboys Camp
The Dallas Cowboys have long lived by the “next man up” mantra, a philosophy deeply ingrained in the fabric of a franchise steeped in tradition and expectation. In 2025, that mindset will once again be put to the test. With Tony Pollard now a Tennessee Titan and Ezekiel Elliott firmly planted in the rearview mirror of Cowboys history, the backfield torch in Dallas is up for grabs. And standing in the spotlight of that opportunity is Malik Davis—a player who has patiently waited for this very moment.
Davis has hovered on the fringes of the Cowboys’ roster for the past few seasons. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2022, he was never expected to carry the load or seize the spotlight. Yet through it all—practice squad stints, preseason bursts, spot-duty reps—Davis stayed ready. Now, as the Cowboys enter training camp in Oxnard with uncertainty surrounding the running back room, Davis finally has a legitimate chance to stake his claim as a featured contributor, if not the starter.
For a team chasing an elusive Super Bowl and teetering between contention and the cruel reality of postseason heartbreak, every position battle matters. Few are as wide open—and as critical—as the running back competition, which includes Davis, veteran Royce Freeman, second-year back Deuce Vaughn, and rookie draftee Jaylen Wright. But it’s Davis who carries the intrigue. At 5-foot-10 and around 205 pounds, he may not be the flashiest or fastest of the bunch, but he runs with a blend of vision, toughness, and consistency that coaches trust when the margins are thin.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and running backs coach Jeff Blasko have both praised Davis for his professionalism and preparation, often noting how reliable he is in blitz pickup and how crisp his routes look out of the backfield. In a camp where nothing is guaranteed, those qualities may prove decisive.
For Davis, this moment is about more than just football—it’s about proving himself. After playing behind NFL talent at Florida and then waiting in the wings in Dallas, the 26-year-old back brings a chip on his shoulder that could fuel a breakout. His path has never been straightforward, but it’s always been fueled by belief—his own, and now increasingly, that of the Cowboys staff.
While Davis hasn’t seen much action in regular-season games, when given opportunities, he’s produced. In his rookie year, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry on 38 rushing attempts and scored his first NFL touchdown in a December win against the Colts. He showcased soft hands as a receiver and an ability to find daylight even when lanes were clogged. While those flashes were few and far between, they were memorable enough to keep him in the mix—and to now give him the inside track in a wide-open race.
One of Davis’ key strengths is his ability to adapt to game flow. Unlike more explosive, straight-line backs, Davis thrives on making the right cut at the right moment. He’s patient with his blocks, makes decisive moves at the second level, and holds onto the ball—something the Cowboys staff values more than ever following turnover issues that plagued parts of last season. And in a league where pass protection often dictates playing time, Davis has quietly excelled in picking up the blitz. That alone could earn him crucial snaps when Dak Prescott needs protection during key third-down situations.
That’s not to say Davis is without competition. The Cowboys brought in Jaylen Wright in the middle rounds of the draft, a speedster from Tennessee known for his big-play ability. Wright is the kind of explosive athlete fans will love during preseason games. Vaughn, while undersized, is a fan favorite and a potential mismatch weapon when used creatively. Freeman, meanwhile, offers experience and downhill power. But Davis occupies a unique middle ground—a steady, trustworthy runner who can do a little bit of everything. He’s neither flashy nor fragile, and that balance might just be what Dallas needs.
The Cowboys’ offensive identity has shifted post-Zeke and Pollard. No longer a bell-cow backfield, McCarthy’s offense leans toward committee usage, screen passes, and strategic rotations. That suits Davis well. He doesn’t need 20 carries to make an impact. He needs touches in key moments, where his feel for the game can take over. Whether it’s converting a third-and-three, chipping an edge rusher to buy Prescott time, or sneaking into the flat for a first down, Davis offers value in the hidden parts of the game. It’s those little plays—those margin moments—that separate guys on the bubble from ones in the lineup.
Davis’ opportunity also comes at a pivotal time for the Cowboys. With Prescott’s contract situation still looming and key veterans aging, Dallas is in win-now mode. Every dollar counts under the cap, and finding affordable, effective options—especially at running back—is vital. Davis, on a team-friendly deal, offers cost-efficiency along with on-field potential. If he can deliver during camp and preseason, the Cowboys may be able to use their resources elsewhere, confident that the backfield is stable.
There’s also an emotional pull to Davis’ story. In an era dominated by NIL deals and first-round hype, his journey is one of resilience. From being overlooked on draft day to making the most of every rep, Davis represents the kind of grinder mentality that endears players to both coaches and fans. Cowboys nation loves a blue-collar story, and Davis has all the makings of the next “where’d he come from?” success tale.
The next few months will determine just how real Davis’ opportunity becomes. Training camp will bring daily reps under the California sun, with coaches dissecting every move, every cut, every missed assignment. Then come the preseason games, when roster spots are won and lost. For Davis, the margin is narrow but not unfamiliar. He’s been here before—fighting, scrapping, showing up. The difference now? He has a real shot to finish the fight on his terms.
There’s no telling how the depth chart will shake out by Week 1. Injuries happen. Roles shift. Rookies emerge. Veterans fade. But as the Cowboys search for answers in the backfield, they may find one already in the building. Malik Davis isn’t the loudest name or the flashiest prospect, but he’s exactly the kind of player who thrives in moments like these—quietly, methodically, and with something to prove.
If he can string together strong practices, show out during preseason, and build trust with the offensive staff, Davis might not just make the team—he might make an impact. And in a franchise defined by its storied past and sky-high expectations, becoming the next dependable Cowboy is no small feat.
Malik Davis didn’t get here by luck. He got here by waiting, working, and believing. And now, in 2025, his time may have finally arrived. The next man up is ready.
