Cowboys Drafted Elliott To Be Better Than Murray

We’re not even close to pads yet and I already have a request: Cowboys fans, please stop comparing Ezekiel Elliott to DeMarco Murray.

Murray had one amazing season. Elliott was drafted 4th overall to have several of them. The rookie had better be better. Right?

I’m not denying Murray’s record-setting 2014. But as I wrote several times during that season, he consistently made questionable decisions and incorrect cuts. Joseph Randle is a complete knucklehead, but he was justified in saying Murray “left a lot of meat on the bone” during that season.

Two years later the Cowboys’ offensive line should be even better. The young linemen have matured but not yet peaked and they’ve added a star-in-the-making in La’el Collins. That line allowed Darren McFadden to rush for 1,000 during a 4-12 year for crying out loud.

With Tony Romo healthy and Dez Bryant back and that line, there’s no reason not to expect Elliott to have a fantastic rookie season. He’s faster than Murray. Better moves than Murray. Better hands than Murray. And is a better blocker than Murray. Look, a lot of things have to go right to rush for 1,800 yards.

But calling Elliott a “Murray-type back” is doing him a disservice. Trust me, the Cowboys didn’t draft Ezekiel Elliott 4th overall thinking they were getting DeMarco Murray.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us