Laufenberg: Elliott could be great, but recent history suggests otherwise

[Irving Cowboy]

Laufenberg: Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott could be great, but this bit of recent history suggests otherwise
By Babe Laufenberg

Special contributor and former Cowboys quarterback Babe Laufenberg hosted a chat last Wednesday to talk about the team with readers. Dallas played its first preseason game Saturday -- here are 10 takeaways from the contest, in case you missed it. Here are some highlights from Laufenberg's chat:

Question: If he stays healthy, how good can Ezekiel Elliott be?

Laufenberg: I think he can be very good, and this offensive line has the chance to truly make him great, but recent history says otherwise. Hate to throw a wet blanket on the "Zeke to Canton" parade, but of the last 6 running backs selected with a top 5 pick, they have COMBINED for one Pro Bowl selection. Trent Richardson was the last RB taken with a top 5 (#3 in 2012) and he is now out of the league. Cowboy fans are hoping Zeke is the guy to change all that. We will see.

Question: There's not a whole lot to go off of, but what's your analysis of QB Jameill Showers?

Laufenberg: Let me say I really love the young man that he is. Smart, conscientious, diligent. Having two young men of my own, I see these kids differently. I look at Showers as a guy who is prepared for life, and that is gratifying to see. But as my own kids will tell me, "I don't care about that, dad-can he ball?" I certainly see improvement. Hasn't played a ton of football, so the upside is there. My one critique would be that he has to get the ball out of hand quicker. Read it, see it, throw it. But again, that will come with getting more reps.

 

[dbair1967]

Hey Laufenberg, none of those other teams drafted their RB's into a team with this offensive line or other skill players.

 

[MrB]

Have I mentioned lately how no one really gives a shit what Laufenberg thinks?

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

Hey Laufenberg, none of those other teams drafted their RB's into a team with this offensive line or other skill players.

Trying to think what was the last even semi-comparable situation... The Colts in their heyday drafting Addai, maybe?

But I have no doubt he'll run well enough and get plenty of yards. My only worry is missing a blitz pickup early in the year and letting someone get a free shot on Romo.

 

[ZeroClub]

Who the hell knows, but several media types have reported that Elliott looks obviously better than the other RBs on the team. Quicker. More explosive. etc.

That's the kind of thing you'd expect to hear about a highly touted rookie who is headed for success.

We heard similar observations about Dez and Ware during their first training camps.

It'd be a red flag if we didn't hear these kinds of comments in reference to Elliott now. So I'm glad we are hearing 'em.

 

[dbair1967]

My only worry is missing a blitz pickup early in the year and letting someone get a free shot on Romo.

He's missed some time so its a concern, but one of his strengths is blocking and he is also very intelligent. Hopefully it wont be an issue.

 

[theoneandonly]

Do I think he'll be a really nice player and a difference maker? Yep. Do I think he propels them to the next level (playoff victories)? Nope. That will have to come from the other side of the ball.

 

[dbair1967]

Do I think he'll be a really nice player and a difference maker? Yep. Do I think he propels them to the next level (playoff victories)? Nope. That will have to come from the other side of the ball.

I think the defense might end up at least as good as the 2014 version. The offense could be better than 2014.

They won one playoff game that yr and should have won two.

One other thing on Elliott that I liked going into the draft, he came up huge in the biggest games at OSU. Even against some of the best defensive teams he faced he rolled up huge numbers and a lot of TD's.

 

[Midswat]

I can't speak for the other backs taken in the top 5. Zeke will succeed because of his natural ability and his humble work hard nature. Only injuries will slow him down.

I see 1500 yards for him this year.

 

[burmafrd]

Hey Laufenberg, none of those other teams drafted their RB's into a team with this offensive line or other skill players.

I pretty much operate on the theory that Laughenburg is always wrong.

Gurley seems to be really something. Strange how he seems to think that is not worth mentioning. Richardson was always a mistake- he only got what he got because he was playing for Alabama.