Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishIt’s hard to differentiate between the many great RBs in the 2025 NFL draft class but YAC could help the Dallas Cowboys decideThe Dallas Cowboys know all too well running backs go as their offensive line goes. The crux of the “running backs don’t matter” debate is that success is far too dependent on blocking to accurately ascribe credit to the individual runner. Because of this it’s increasingly difficult to discern between system RBs riding the coattails of their offensive lines and special RBs who add value to the blocking in front of them. The Cowboys have every intention of upgrading their run blocking in 2025 but they also want to make sure they field a RB who adds actual value to the effort.Previously, ball security was investigated as a way to evaluate this year’s RB prospects. Today gives a look at yards after contact. YAC can help illustrate a couple important things. It shows a RB’s ability to break tackles through power and balance, but it also speaks to their ability to avoid negative gains. Both of these are connected through YAC, but as we’ll see, the numbers show it’s more of a correlative link.The top performers in YAC this year feature some familiar names. Leading the pack with 5.42 YAC/A, Ashton Jeanty is top dog in this draft class. Kaleb Johnson, Bhayshul Tuten and Omarion Hampton also finished the college’s top five last season. D.J. Gibbens’ 4.16 YAC/A ranked him seventh while Cam Skattebo (3.91) and R.J. Harvey (3.88) finished just inside the top 20 themselves. Notable names on the other side of the YAC spectrum were that of Quinshon Judkins (3.02), Tahj Brooks (3.04), Ollie Gordon II (3.25) and Jordan James (3.33).YAC is more than just adding on extra value to the end of the run. Sometimes it’s about salvaging a play. Avoiding negative runs where the runner was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage is critical for the survival of a drive. It’s a perfect example of when the individual RB really does matter, making these stats a great way to separate system runners from truly talented prospects. As with most major RB categories Jeanty is in a league of his own. According to CBS sports’ Jacob Gibbs, Jeanty has been hit at or behind the line of scrimmage 347 times in his career. He’s created 1,487 yards after those hits becoming the first player to ever top 1,000 YAC in these situationsJoining Jeanty in the Stuff Rate Top 5 are Jaydon Blue, Harvey, TreVeyon Henderson and Tuten. All of these prospects have found a way to salvage blown plays and turn them into something positive, but even then, the stats are a little skewed. Since an explosive play here or there can balloon overall averages, some runners look more stuff-proof than they really are.Sorting by stuff rate Skattebo, Hampton, James, Brooks, Jeanty and Dylan Sampson all fall in the top 10 for lowest stuff rate. It’s here where homerun hitters like Harvey and Tuten fall off and here where the usually stout Johnson makes a curious appearance.In a great RB class such as this year’s, low YAC numbers are hardly a death sentence for prospects. But YAC is important in showing value added ability and avoiding drive-killing negative plays.Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
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