Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

Entering the fifth year of his career, Ezekiel Elliott is once again one of the top three or four running backs in the NFL. Last season, the Ohio State product ran for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns on 301 carries. He also caught 54 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns.

The current king of all backs in the NFC East, Elliott could run into trouble this upcoming season. Five-time Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick retired this offseason, leaving Joe Looney and rookie Tyler Biadasz to compete for his spot.

Frederick missed the entire 2018 season with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease. In the star’s absence, Looney served as the team’s starting center for all 16 games. While he performed reasonably well, the offensive line still suffered.

With Frederick retiring, it’s time to question how much longer the Cowboys’ line can continue performing at a roughly elite level. La’el Collins looks excellent, but Tyron Smith is past his prime. Zack Martin is the real deal, but his fellow guard, Connor Williams, isn’t exactly an anchor.

The Cowboys arguably don’t even have the best offensive line in the NFC East anymore. How these changes impact Elliott remains to be seen. We know that the Pro Bowl back averaged the fewest rushing attempts (18.8) and yards per game of his career last year (84.8).

Last season, the Cowboys also turned toward the pass in situations where they previously ran, although that might just be poor coaching. I believe Elliott will finish with a top-five ranking among running backs this coming season, but I don’t think he matches his totals from 2019.

Elliott remains the most consistent running back in the NFC East, but he could lose that title in the coming seasons.

Prediction for Elliott in 2020: 300 attempts, 1,250 yards, and eight touchdowns

Bonus: 50 receptions, 400 yards, and two touchdowns