5 Rookies Who Should Impact Fantasy Football in 2016

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

While the Cowboys can -- and perhaps, should be -- criticized for taking a running back so highly in the draft, one thing that can’t be disputed is that Ezekiel Elliott is in position to be a fantasy stud in his rookie year.

Two years removed from running DeMarco Murray into the ground, head coach Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones appear to have found a back to carry a similar workload as Murray did in 2014.

In 2014, Murray was the number-one fantasy back, according to FantasyData.com, rushing 393 times for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Elliott, a three-down back, appears to be the complete package for the Dallas Cowboys: a back who can grind between the tackles, has the burst to break long runs, the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and already well-versed in pass protection.

Last season, the Cowboys rushing offense ranked eighth in Adjusted Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play. Once Joseph Randle flamed out, Darren McFadden came back from the dead to rush for 1,089 yards and 3 touchdowns. McFadden finished the fantasy season as RB13 in standard scoring leagues.

In 2016, the Cowboys have made it no secret that they intend to utilize Elliott heavily, and now McFadden is dealing with a broken elbow that will sideline him for two months over the summer.

With his talent, expected workload, and the opportunity to run behind an elite offensive line, expect Zeke to be one of the first running backs off the board in many drafts and to compete to be the top overall fantasy scorer in 2016.