FRISCO – There’s no other way to put it: Javonte Williams’ 2025 season for the Dallas Cowboys was as superb as it was surprising.

Coming to Dallas on a one-year prove-it deal, Williams was a relatively unknown commodity, still finding his feet after an injury and being pushed out in Denver.

But it became evident early in the offseason that Javonte was Dallas’ starter behind QB Dak Prescott … and that decision ended up being justified all year long.

Williams rushed for career-highs in 1,201 yards and touchdowns (11) and emerged as a big reason for the offensive efficiency that allowed the unit to be one of the best in football.

Javonte’s brutal running style, coupled with his receiving ability and his pass-pro work, made him a great addition to the Cowboys’ offense and added a critical wrinkle it hadn’t had in recent previous seasons.

Such was Williams’ season that he was given a three-year, $24 million contract this offseason. … which is a building block going forward.

“I at least want to go to the Pro Bowl and definitely want to go to a Super Bowl with this team,’’ Williams said recently. “Just working hard, grinding, and trying to be a better version of myself. That’s all I’m worried about.”

Good. No “worries.’’ Because when you add it all up, surely he is on the radar of everyone as we enter 2026, right?

Well, not exactly.

In an ESPN piece, scouts, coaches, and executives rank the top 10 running backs in football right now.

And Williams didn’t make the list.

He landed in the “received votes” category, which is lower than the honorable mentions section.

So, let’s go through it, shall we?

The top 10 is as follows:

Bijan Robinson (No. 1)

Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 2)

Saquon Barkley (No. 3)

Christian McCaffrey (No. 4)

Jonathan Taylor (No. 5)

Derrick Henry (No. 6)

James Cook (No. 7)

De’Von Achane (No. 8)

Kenneth Walker (No. 9)

Breece Hall (No. 10).

The problem with taking issue with any of these sorts of lists is that somebody needs to be removed. To us, Bijan and Gibbs clearly belong that high on the list.

But looking at the stats from 2025, Williams might have a case to break into the top 10.

He ranked ninth in yards, sixth in touchdowns, seventh in yards per game, 11th in yards per carry and 10th in attempts.

Oh, and Williams played one less game than every player in the top 10 aside from Barkley, Hall and Achane who also played 16 games.

If we’re combining stats, performance, impact and “The Eye Test,’‘ Williams is more than just a JAG. … though that’s something that he’ll have to prove to the critics who ignore him once we move beyond Listicle Season and into the actual NFL football season.

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