The Dallas Cowboys had a moderately successful 2024 NFL draft, trading down in the first round and still acquiring the services of two potential long-term starters on the line, six-foot-eight offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. However, many fans needed help understanding the team’s lack of selecting a running back, with last year’s starter, Tony Pollard, darting for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
Dallas opted to sign a rusher post-draft in the form of longtime Cowboys starter Ezekiel Elliott. Naturally, Cowboys fans were skeptical of the move, with Elliott rushing for a career-worst 3.5 yards per attempt during his age-28 season last year. However, team VP of player personnel Will McClay believes Elliott still has high-end playmaking ability.
Dallas Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay on RB Ezekiel Elliott: What He’ll Add to that Group, We’re Excited About”
The Dallas Cowboys were criticized this past weekend for not adding to their running back room via the draft. Last year’s starter, Tony Pollard, now plays for the Tennessee Titans, while Dallas also missed out on signing top free-agent rusher Derrick Henry. Meanwhile, the Cowboys opted to turn to their former longtime starter, Ezekiel Elliott, with the rusher only one year removed from donning the blue and white. VP of player personnel Will McClay is optimistic that the move will elevate the team next fall.
“Zeke’s a winning, starting running back in the league. You turn on the tape, you saw him do things, running power gap scheme, running inside/outside zones, helping in pass protection. All those things to show that the ability was still there,” said McClay, according to team insider Jon Machota.
McClay continued, “And then adding him to this roster, it adds a guy, No. 1 that loves football that wants to win here, wants to be here, and adds something to the roster from a leadership standpoint, as well as his ability to play.”
Elliott led the Cowboys from 2016 to 2022, making three Pro Bowl appearances after entering the league as the fourth overall pick. Considered a three-down back during his prime, Elliott routinely flashed the ability to operate in an offense as a rusher, pass protector, and pass catcher.
“I think the running back position in this day and age is not that old school. One guy is the lead back, and the others fill in. It’s a group by committee. And what he’ll add to that group, we’re excited about.”
Ezekiel Elliott: Returning to Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott, the 2016 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up, will return to the Dallas Cowboys after a one-year hiatus. Elliott, a former fourth overall pick, shined as a first-year rusher, tallying a league-best 1,631 rushing yards and earning first-team All-Pro honors. He scampered for a career-best 15 touchdowns. The Ohio State product again led the league in rushing yards in 2018 with 1,434. However, after averaging just 4.0 yards per carry from 2020 to 2022, Dallas released Elliott during the 2023 offseason.
Elliott played for the New England Patriots last season, totaling 642 rushing yards on a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry. Despite the lack of big plays on the ground, he led the team with 51 receptions.
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