Dallas Cowboys Draft: Making A Case For Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys have done an adequate job of filling holes to the roster with their off-season signings, but because they have done such a good job it means that it’s difficult to predict what direction they decide to go in the draft at #4 overall.

Of course, we know that Jerry Jones likes to move up and down in the draft, so we really don’t know for sure where the Cowboys might be picking in the first round.

What they simply can’t afford to do is miss on a player with that first-round draft pick. That will probably set them back for years to come.

That is why I belief that they should take the player that they know will not only be the most impactful player as a rookie, but for years to come.

I believe that player is former Ohio State Buckeye’s running back, Ezekiel Elliott.

Ian Rapoport’s recent tweet would suggest that the Cowboys’ interest Elliott is very real and could be a strong consideration as their first-round draft choice.

Tomorrow morning, #tOSU RB Ezekiel Elliott flies to Dallas for a pre-draft meeting with #Cowboys. They previously worked him out in Columbus

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2016

This is especially interesting considering the fact that the Cowboys had a conglomeration of their coaching staff on hand at Ohio State’s Pro Day, and even more intriguing since running back coach Gary Brown already held a private workout with Ezekiel Elliott while they were there.

To have him be one of the 30 pre-draft visits just about guarantees that he is a strong consideration to be drafted by the Cowboys in the first round.

Let me tell you why I believe Elliott is the best pick for the Cowboys in the first round.

Elliott is by far the best RB in this draft class and would immediately step in and take the Cowboys running game to the next level.

He runs with speed, power, and maintains his balance while fighting for every inch he can get. He has exceptional vision, patience, and waits for the blocks to develop. Once he sees a crease he puts his foot in the ground and explodes up the field.

Elliott is a three down back and can contribute in the passing game as a receiver out of the backfield. He is a natural hands catcher and doesn’t fight the ball when it’s thrown his way. Elliott is also efficient as a pass protector, something that most rookie RB’s struggle with when entering the NFL.

There are not really any weaknesses to Elliott’s game and he might be the most complete running back coming out of college over the past several years.

If you really want to get nitpicky he could become more consistent as a receiver and as a pass protector, but there really aren’t any weaknesses in his running style.

Elliott would allow the Cowboys to get back to that blueprint that worked so well for them in 2014 when they pounded the ball with DeMarco Murray and had a run first mentality.

This mentality would allow the defense to remain fresh throughout the game by running time off the clock, something that would probably help improve the Cowboys pass rush as well.

The addition of Elliott would also help Tony Romo by forcing defenses to respect the running game and not just pin their ears back and rush the passer. We all know that the success of this team will likely depend on the health of Romo.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. Elliott would be a luxury pick because just about any running back getting carries behind the Cowboys talented offensive line can be successful, and you might just be right.

Darren McFadden was successful in 2015, but even he’s not really the best fit to run in the zone blocking scheme that the Cowboys like to employ.

The argument I would make would be that why not put a truly special RB that is a better fit behind that talented offensive line and dominate ballgames with the running game.

Elliott would make this offensive line better and vice versa.

It’s time that the Cowboys find that future featured back and truly benefit from investing first-round draft picks in the trenches where all of the dirty work takes place.

I don’t know about you, but drafting Ezekiel Elliott would make me want to Jump-Jump and here’s a little throwback soundtrack for your enjoyment in case you feel the same way.

What do you think?

Does a union between the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott make you want to Jump-Jump?

Please feel free to use the comments section below to state your own opinion or rip apart my argument for the Dallas Cowboys drafting Ezekiel Elliott.