Fansided

Ranking the 5 best Cowboys draft picks of the last decade

By Matthew Razzano

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 18: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 18: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys predictions, Ezekiel Elliott
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Ezekiel Elliott (2016)

Before the Cowboys took Jaylon Smith in 2016, they selected Ezekiel Elliott out of Ohio State. In his final season of college football, Elliott rushed for over 1,800 yards and was projected to be one of the top picks in the draft, with analysts making comparisons to some of the best RBs in history.

The Cowboys selected Elliott 4th overall, and the choice started paying dividends immediately. In his rookie year, Elliott ran for over 1,600 yards. It was the third-highest rushing total by a rookie in league history. He averaged more than 1,200 yards through his first six seasons in the NFL and made three Pro Bowl teams (one first-team All-Pro selection, one second-team All-Pro selection). But beyond the accolades, Elliott has been a key piece of the Cowboys offense through the years, as well as one of the best RBs in the league. He’s sharing more snaps with Tony Pollard these days, but in a world where fewer RBs go early in the draft, Elliott at fourth overall still looks like a great choice.

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