The Dallas Cowboys have arguably the best running game in the entire league. When you combine a running back of the quality of Ezekiel Elliott and put him behind an offensive line loaded with All-Pro’s and 1st round talent then you have a recipe for success. Elliott will be available for all 16 games barring injury and he should be in contention to lead the league in rushing this season. Elliott is a true 3 down back who is an exceptional blocker and he can catch the ball too. He will not be as productive as a receiver than such players as David Johnson, Todd Gurley and Le’Veon Bell but that has more so due to the nature of the offense that he plays in than his ability.
With Elliott dialed in as the primary back it is the running back depth behind him that is yet to be determined at this point. Rod Smith should be penciled in as the primary back-up. He played well last season during Elliott’s suspension and he offers versatility with his value on special teams. Alfred Morris was a solid back-up but it appears that he will not be re-signed. The Cowboys also drafted Bo Scarbrough out of Alabama and many fans are excited about his potential as a big punishing back to compliment Zeke. If he does make the team he would be a nice addition as long as he can stay healthy. Zeke is a physical runner who takes a lot of punishment and having another guy in the mix to pound teams down in the 4th quarter would help Elliott avoid some of the wear and tear on his body down the stretch. Darius Jackson and Trey Williams are also in the mix and should battle it out during camp to make the squad. If either of those backs can show value on special teams then that is their easiest path to making the team.
Another player in the mix is WR/RB hybrid Tavon Austin who was acquired via trade from the Rams. Austin is a return specialist who will replace Ryan Switzer as a punt returner but the Cowboys also plan to incorporate him into the offense. Austin’s speed and explosive ability in the open field will hopefully add a dynamic option that the Cowboys have been missing since the departure of Lance Dunbar.
My prediction for this season is that Smith, Scarbrough and Austin will make the final roster but I don’t anticipate either one of them having a major impact unless Elliott were to miss time. Even if Elliott did get hurt the Cowboys would probably look to add a free agent back and use more of a committee approach. As for Zeke, I am very optimistic about how he will perform this year. With no off the field distractions to hold him back I believe he will have a banner year and will be a good bet to lead the league in rushing for a 2nd time in his career. Depending on the how good the Cowboys record will be this season I think 1800 yards and 16 rushing TD’s for Zeke are both attainable.
*Photo by Kieth Allison https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode