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Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott Remains A Draft Target For The Cowboys

By Phillip Dengler
Published on: 10:33 PST, Mar 27, 2016

With the 2016 NFL draft rapidly approaching, rumors regarding the Dallas Cowboys and their plans for the No. 4 overall pick are running rampant. After an unsuccessful season where the Cowboys finished in the last place in the mediocre NFC East, the team is looking to get back to their winning ways in 2016. While running backs are generally not selected towards the beginning of the first round of the draft anymore, the latest rumors are saying that Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott could be heading to the Cowboys.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Elliott has been connected to numerous teams in the NFL, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. While Elliott remains a possibility to land in Philadelphia or New York, the Cowboys are going to have the first chance to grab him at No. 4. Elliott is a very special talent, but the fact remains that the Cowboys have a variety of other needs. After signing former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris, it would appear that the team is set at running back. Regardless of Morris’ presence on the roster, the Cowboys are apparently still interested in Elliott.

The Dallas Morning News recently reported that the Cowboys had private workouts with Elliott and his former teammate Joey Bosa. As one of the top defensive ends in college last year, Bosa is viewed by many as the guy that the Cowboys are going to draft with the No. 4 pick. While the team was apparently extremely impressed with Bosa, they also loved what they saw from Elliott.

While the Cowboys’ running game was still solid last year after losing DeMarco Murray in free agency, the team still knows that it can be even better. As Today’s Pigskin notes, they could go with Elliott over Bosa if they believe he is truly as great as everyone thinks he is.

“Another player who could be a fit is running back Ezekiel Elliott. He’s certainly a great college back who helped carry the team to a National Title, and he projects very well in the NFL. The Cowboys may feel that taking him at No. 4 overall is too high for a back, but they may not care when they take him if they think he’s the answer. Their running game was lackluster last year, without DeMarco Murray. It is worth noting, though, that they just signed RB Alfred Morris, previously of the Washington Redskins.”

Since quarterback Tony Romo will turn 36-years-old before the start of the season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is looking to get the most out of his remaining years. Romo is still an elite quarterback when he is healthy, but his injuries are starting to become more frequent over the years. While Morris is going to be an upgrade over the Cowboys’ running back options last season, Elliott could be truly special behind the team’s strong offensive line.

Taking the pressure off of Romo is going to be extremely important for the Cowboys’ success this year, and Elliott could be the perfect player to do that. As a true three-down back, Elliott can add another layer of explosiveness to an offense that already features Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant.

As reported by NFL, Elliott actually prefers to be drafted by the Cowboys

“The Dallas Cowboys (are my pick). I want to go play behind that great offensive line they have down in Dallas.”

And Elliott is right about the Cowboys offensive line. While running back Darren McFadden has been mediocre over the course of his career, he had one of his best seasons in 2015 with the Cowboys. As a much younger and more talented player, Elliott could put up historic numbers behind the Cowboys line.

Since the Dallas Cowboys have the luxury of holding the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, rumors will likely continue to connect them to Ezekiel Elliott. While running back is no longer a priority in the first-round for many teams, Elliott could be too talented to pass up for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.

[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]

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