Ezekiel Elliott Comments on Cowboys OTAs, Darren McFadden and More

Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott is starting to realize how much of a difference there is between the NFL and the college level.

The Dallas Cowboys' No. 4 pick from this year's NFL draft revealed the pace at the pro level isn't what he was accustomed to at Ohio State.

“Just a lot faster pace,” Elliott said, per Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official website. “The game moves so much faster.”  

With the pace comes a lot of eyeballs that will be focusing on Elliott's development throughout his rookie year. That's what happens when you're the third running back since 2008 to be taken with a top-five pick and the highest Cowboys draft pick in 25 years.

Elliott also has noteworthy competition at the position in two veterans, Darren McFadden and the newly signed Alfred Morris. Elliott is the presumptive starter, but he believes McFadden—who ran for 1,089 yards last year—has set the bar high during OTAs.

“Just the way [McFadden] works out there, how good of shape he is coming into these OTAs just showed me what I need to do and how I need to be ready going into OTAs,” Elliott said, per Phillips.

The Cowboys wouldn't have taken Elliott had they not known what he can bring to the table, but with two capable backs in the fold, the team won't be handing a starting role to Elliott this offseason. He knows that, and he's taking it all in.

“This is a next level up from Ohio State,” Elliott said, per Phillips. “Obviously the Dallas Football Cowboys. Just honored to be here playing for America’s Team.”