Top 10 non-quarterback NFL MVP candidates for 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball while being chased by Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2. RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

In 2016, the Dallas Cowboys used the fourth overall pick on Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott and a fourth-round selection on Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. Both enjoyed big time NFL debuts and it was the latter who garnered NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year accolades.

Elliott would lead the league in rushing in his debut campaign and three times in four seasons, he’s carried the ball at least 300 times. In 2019, he finished fourth in the NFL when it came to gaining yards on the ground, trailing only Tennessee’s Derrick Henry, Cleveland’s Nick Chubb and Carolina Christian McCaffrey. While the three-time Pro Bowler was not as productive during the second half of the season as he was the first eight games, that seemingly had more to do with offensive philosophy.

Which begs the question on whether new head coach Mike McCarthy will ride Elliott in a big way? As the leader of the Green Bay Packers, quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers and the passing game took center stage. Of course, Prescott is coming off a career year and the team did sign veteran Andy Dalton as a backup. So will the Cowboys return to the style of ball-control offense that featured their workhorse running back as the focus? Elliott has proven he can carry a very big load.

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