5 ways Ezekiel Elliott can earn his contract

3. Three-Down Back

The Cowboys obviously expect Elliott to develop into a legitimate three-down back who can run, catch, block and be a valuable asset on offense regardless of down and distance.

Elliott’s skill as a runner is unquestioned as he totaled over 1,800 yards on the ground in consecutive seasons, while displaying elite speed and tremendous athleticism. But Zeke also earned a reputation at Ohio State as a very willing and skilled blocker.

Prior to the draft, Elliott told reporters at the NFL combine, “I value blocking more than anything. When I first got to Ohio State I realized I wasn’t going to be the biggest or fastest guy, I was only 17 playing with a bunch of 22- and 21-year-old guys, so I was trying to find something that would set me apart.”

Aside from running and blocking, one skill Zeke did not have very many opportunities to display during his tenure in Columbus was his receiving ability out of the backfield, totaling just 58 career receptions in three seasons. With the short passing game such an important aspect in many NFL offenses, Elliott will need to prove himself in this regard to truly become a three-down back.

Next: 2. Make Playoffs in 2017