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Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott was the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. The superstar running back had an outstanding college career, totaling 592 rushing attempts for 3,961 yards and 43 touchdowns in three seasons at Ohio State.
More importantly, Elliott was an elite running back as a rookie. The former Ohio State superstar had 322 rushing attempts for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns that year, leading the league in rushing attempts and yards.
The former Buckeye was one of the top running backs over the first four seasons in the NFL. Unfortunately, his production started to slip over the past few seasons. After averaging 4.5 yards per rushing attempt in three of his first four years, Elliott averaged 4.2 yards per rushing attempt or less in the past three seasons.
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What Did Ezekiel Elliott Accomplish In 2022?
Last year the veteran was the RB19, averaging 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, the lowest average of his career. Furthermore, Elliott had 231 rushing attempts for 876 yards, both career lows. More importantly, the former Ohio State star averaged only 3.8 yards per rushing attempt. Last year was the first time he didn’t average at least four yards per rushing attempt in his career.
However, Elliott remained fantasy-relevant thanks to his role at the goal line. The veteran had 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022, the second-highest total of his career. Furthermore, he had a 5.2% rushing touchdown rate, a career-high.
Should I Draft Ezekiel Elliott?
Earlier today, Elliott signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million with the New England Patriots. He will join Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield, giving the team a talent 1-2 punch at running back.
However, how much fantasy value will Elliott have with the Patriots? Last year Damien Harris was the No. 2 running back on the team. He ended the season as the RB48, averaging 6.3 fantasy points per game.
Fantasy players should view Elliott as more of a thorn in Stevenson’s side than a meaningful fantasy asset. The veteran running back will provide the team with a massive upgrade in pass protection. Elliott will also provide a punch at the goal line and in short-yardage situations.
The former Ohio State star is an RB4 in my rankings after signing with New England. Unless Stevenson misses significant time with an injury, Elliott will struggle to have consistent fantasy value this season.
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