Ezekiel Elliott transforms shape of Cowboys' offense
IRVING, Texas — After seeing their 12-4 record from 2014 reversed in a disastrous 2015 season, the Dallas Cowboys took a sizeable step toward returning to that winning formula that helped them win the NFC East title two years ago.
Star quarterback. Star receiver. Robust offensive line. And now, once again, they have a dynamic running back in the backfield.
By drafting Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall Thursday – the franchise’s highest first-round pick in 25 years – the Cowboys will rekindle memories of 2014, when the now departed DeMarco Murray helped fuel the Cowboys’ offense by leading the league in rushing.
“I think we can be a three-headed monster,” Elliott said on a conference call with reporters Thursday after his selection. “Dallas is the No. 1 spot I wanted to go to. It’s definitely a dream come true.”
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The question is whether a top-five pick was too high to use on a running back, even one with Elliott’s ability, considering the diminished value of the position in the pass-happy modern game.
The Cowboys had the opportunity to address a specific need at No. 4 but chose Elliott over Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who was considered one of the best overall players in the draft. Ramsey, an explosive athlete, could have played cornerback or safety.
But owner Jerry Jones and Co. are clearly going all in to try to win big now during the final years of the Tony Romo tenure. And the addition of Elliott should pay immediate dividends.
Assuming wide receiver Dez Bryant and 36-year-old Romo remain healthy, the Cowboys could have one of the league’s more potent offenses. The presence of Elliott should take some of the burden off Romo, who twice broke his left collarbone last season.
The ability to control time of possession with a back like Elliott will benefit a defense that struggled last season to create turnovers and rush the passer. The defense is still in need of pass-rushing help considering that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence faces a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and Randy Gregory will miss the first four games because of the same transgression.
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Regardless of the defensive deficiencies, the offense – assuming a healthy Romo – may be able to keep the Cowboys in games that they found ways to lose last season. The decision to use a committee of running backs last season produced uneven results, although the entire offense was diminished because of the injuries that hampered the seasons of Romo and Bryant.
Oft-injured running back Darren McFadden, 28, played in all 16 regular season games for just the second time in his career, rushing for 1,089 yards on a career-high 239 carries. Versatile Lance Dunbar is rehabbing after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against New Orleans last October, though there is no timetable for his return. And the Cowboys also signed free agent Alfred Morris.
But the headliner is now Elliott. The 6-foot, 225-pound back, who rushed for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior, possesses notable quickness, vision and toughness. What’s more, he has also exhibited impressive blocking skills and ability as a pass catcher.
Jones was tempted to select the polarizing quarterback Johnny Manziel when he was still on the board midway through the 2014 draft. He and the Cowboys did in fact opt for the pick with the most sizzle this year.
But with the Elliott pick, they are returning to a formula that has worked for them. The trio of Romo, Bryant and Elliott may not be able to duplicate the accomplishments of Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith.
But the offense looks a lot like it did two years ago. And those triplets helped deliver a division title.
Follow Eric Prisbell on Twitter @EricPrisbell.
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