Whether or not Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott (or any running back, for that matter) is worth the fourth overall pick in an NFL Draft is a debate for another day. Today, all we want to know is what can fantasy football owners expect from Elliott in 2016?
The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to recapture the magic they had in 2014 with DeMarco Murray by rebuilding their offense around Elliott and, honestly, there are worse strategies out there. Elliott is a legit bell-cow running back with great size (6-foot, 225 pounds) and speed (4.47 40-yard dash). He's a solid receiver and arguably the best blocker in the nation.
Thanks to Dallas' superior offensive line, the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL with a streak of three consecutive seasons to see a running back total 1,000 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards. Center Travis Frederick has a lot to do with that. Darren McFadden, who looked washed up in Oakland and didn't receive more than 10 carries in a game last year until Week 7, managed to top those marks last year, and that was without a healthy Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. If McFadden could finish the 2015 season tied for the 13th highest scoring fantasy running back, what can Elliott do with a full complement of help around him? It's an enticing thought.
Fantasy owners shouldn't be scared off by the presence of McFadden and free agent addition Alfred Morris. It will become increasingly clear in training camp who the most talented running back on the team is. Elliott's rare combination of skills and versatility will open the door to ample playing time this year; Dallas' offensive line will open the holes to ample production.
Barring injury, Elliott is a slam dunk to be a late first-round pick in standard 12-team leagues this year. His talent and situation make him worthy of such a price too. And consider this: Romo's best fantasy season came in 2012 when Cowboys RB Marion Barber compiled 1,257 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
Elliott is about to break into the NFL in a big way.
