Jerry Jones gets what he wants.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on Thursday night in Chicago, importing a dynamic young talent to a backfield now gushing with potential.
Minutes before the selection, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey was the highest remaining player on the Cowboys' board. But Jerry Jones was said to be a huge fan of Elliott's potential in Big D. Ramsey went to the Jacksonville Jaguars one pick later.
Elliott has to be pinching himself. Not only does he get to suit up for one of the most high-profile teams in the league, he will run behind a young and extremely talented offensive line that includes three former first-round picks since 2011 plus La'el Collins.
Elliott was widely believed to be the best player in this class, an all-around talent who projects as an All-Pro level performer. He rushed for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final season at Ohio State and is known for his receiving and blocking ability.
He joins a backfield that includes Darren McFadden (a 1,000-yard rusher a year ago) and Alfred Morris (a free-agent pickup who probably has regrets about signing his contract right about now). The decision to invest a first-round pick in a running back tells you the Cowboys could be ready to significantly lessen the load on Tony Romo, a 36-year-old quarterback with numerous back and clavicle surgeries to his name.
In 2014, the Cowboys showed how they can produce with a top-flight running back behind their line. DeMarco Murray ran for more than 1,800 yards and won Offensive Player Of The Year honors. They now have a player who could produce at that level for years to come.
Jerry might have picked with his heart, but that doesn't mean he made the wrong choice.
