Riddick: Shocked if Ezekiel Elliott is not picked before/by Cowboys

One former NFL player, scout and executive will be shocked if Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott isn’t picked before or by the Dallas Cowboys at fourth overall in the upcoming draft.

It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys are in the market for a running back to pair with starter Darren McFadden for the upcoming season. Despite a resurgence of what I like to call Re-Run DMC in Dallas, rushing for over 1,000 yards for only the second time in his eight-year career, McFadden’s age (28) and extensive injury history prevent the Cowboys from solely relying on him as their workhorse back from here on out.

Instead, Dallas will likely be shopping for a running back when free agency starts later this month and/or during April’s NFL Draft. Concerning the latter, the Cowboys possess to fourth overall pick. And the undisputed top running back in this year’s draft is Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott. It would seem to be a marriage made in Jerry Jones’ heaven.

Unfortunately, many draft experts believe giving up the fourth overall selection for Elliott is too high a price. This is mainly due to value as many NFL teams believe you can obtain quality running backs via free agency or the mid-to-lower rounds of the draft. But one former NFL player, scout and executive, ESPN’s Louis Riddick, believes Elliott is special.

Special enough, in fact, to be a top four pick in the upcoming draft.

There is no denying Elliott is the best running back in his draft class. The 6-0, 225 pound prospect rushed for 3,699 yards, 41 touchdowns  and averaged 7.8 yards per carry in his final two seasons with the Buckeyes. Despite these lofty stats, ESPN NFL guru Mel Kiper Jr. still projected Elliott as the 22nd overall selection by the Houston Texans in his latest mock draft.

Even though the Cowboys have a need at the position, I’m not sure they would pull the trigger on Elliott that high. And the talented running back will likely not reach them in the second round at #34. So the only way I envision Elliott playing with The Star on his helmet this season is if the Cowboys elect to trade down from number four and drop to the mid-first round. Then I think the top running back on the board makes sense.

All that being said, on Monday I proposed the Cowboys wait another year before selecting a running back in the draft. You can read why by clicking on the bar below.

Next: Cowboys should wait a year to draft a running back

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