NFL Draft: 5 rookies ready to make an impact in 2016
By Jacob Yturri
No. 2 – Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys are one lucky team. Although NFL draft critics might say that they took Ezekiel Elliott too early, at the end of the day they got a player with crazy potential.
Elliott was a standout player while in college. While at Ohio State, he was a large part of the Buckeyes’ national championship run two seasons ago. This past season, he continued to wow and amaze scouts.
The biggest thing that Elliott has going for him is his pass protection skills. Many running backs struggle with having to learn how to drop back in the backfield and protect the quarterback. But not Ezekiel Elliott, while at Ohio State he routinely helped keep his quarterback’s jersey clean.
A common theory about running backs is that they are easily replaceable, and to a certain extent that’s true. But, when you have an elite runner on your team, he can shore up the position for more than a decade. With the Dallas Cowboys firmly planted in contender status, the drafting of Elliott should help extend Tony Romo’s career.
In conclusion, Elliott will bust past a 1,000 rushing yards this season. He will rush for close to 1,500 yards and nine scores. Look for him to be a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Next: No. 1 Jared Goff