Ezekiel Elliott came into the league with a lot of hype surrounding him. The former Ohio State star, drafted 4th overall by the Dallas Cowboys was seen as one of the most talented running backs to come into the league in years. Being drafted by a team with arguably the best offensive line in the league seems like the perfect situation for Elliott. In fact, Elliott went as far as saying he has “one of the easiest jobs in America.”
Which new offensive pairing would scare your defense the most? #CowboysDraft #TexansDraft #GiantsDraft #TitansDraft
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) April 30, 2016
We ran a few more polls about Ezekiell Elliott during the offseason and were not surprised to confirm that he is the early favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and is expected to have a bigger rookie season than last year’s rookie sensation Todd Gurley. Fans reason that Elliott is running behind the offensive line that carried Darren McFadden past the 1,000 yard rushing mark in 2015. If McFadden could grind out 1,000 yards behind that line, imagine what Zeke will be able to do.
#EzekielElliott is the early favorite for #OROY. Which of these rookie WRs could give him a run for his money?
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) May 8, 2016
Will Ezekiel Elliott (#DAL) eclipse 2015 rookie sensation Todd Gurley’s rushing totals (1,106 yds, 10TDs)? #NFLDraft
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) April 30, 2016
The hype train is not quite ready to crown him the NFL Rushing Champ though–there’s still a lot of veteran RB talent in the league. But it’s hard to deny his potential in Dallas.
Who will be the #NFL’s leading rusher in 2016? #NFLRushingChamp
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) May 16, 2016
Is all of this hype around Elliott justified? Watching him smash through Kam Chancellor in his preseason debut, it definitely looked like Elliott is going to be a speedy wrecking ball this season. I expect him to have a big year, kept fresh by an offensive line that opens up big enough holes for him to avoid taking unnecessary punishment.
Elliott had a slow start in Week 1 of the regular season, managing only 51 yards and 1 touchdown against the Giants. But after calling his debut “average”, Elliott vowed to be more patient in his running. He reminded us that he got off to a slow start in college too before getting hot.
Whether it is tomorrow against the Redskins or week 3 against the Bears, it is only a matter of time before Ezekiel Elliott breaks out and rolls towards that Offensive Rookie of the Year season.
(Photo Credit: Steve DelVecchio / Larry Brown Sports / Yardbarker)