Last season as a rookie, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing and showed flashes of brilliance in the passing game. However, he wasn’t utilized all that much as a receiver, hauling in just 32 receptions, good for 27th among NFL running backs.
Expect that to change in 2017.
Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown says Elliott “absolutely” will see more targets in the passing game, per Jon Machota of SportsDay.
This seems like a smart move. Elliott has excellent hands, and his 83-yard reception for a touchdown last year showed he can make huge plays after the catch as well. He’s a dynamic player with the ball in his hands, so the Cowboys absolutely must find ways to give him opportunities to break off big gains.
Brown’s promise also bodes well for Elliott’s fantasy value. Already one of the top backs for fantasy owners, he’ll be a veritable scoring dynamo if he’s being fed regularly in the passing game.