Dallas Cowboys

Emmitt Smith explains why Ezekiel Elliott is better than he was

Published May. 3, 2016 4:20 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Dallas Cowboys shocked some folks when they took running back Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft last week. With Jalen Ramsey still on the board, some expected Dallas to go that route, but Zeke has been well received among Cowboys fans.

It hasn't just been supporters of the team clamoring over Elliott's running ability. Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards, thinks Elliott is better than he was.

@jfo1229a he's better
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) April 29, 2016

Smith didn't give any context following that tweet, but he expanded on it Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan's G-Bag Nation show.

It's shocking to hear the best running back in NFL history proclaim that a player who hasn't played a snap is better than he was. If Elliott is anything like Smith, he'll be a star -- and that's being cautious.