A reset at running back might look different for the Cowboys 8 years after drafting Ezekiel Elliott

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys had to reset at running back eight years ago, when they drafted Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall and watched him lead the NFL in rushing twice in his first three seasons.

They won’t be drafting a running back that high in their first reset at the position since 2016, in part because they don’t have a pick until late in the first round April 25. Dallas is at No. 24.

Another part is the Cowboys aren’t so sure a dominant back is the way to go, particularly after Elliott’s expensive extension in 2019 was never matched by his production.

“You have complementary backs in this league,” executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said. “It’s become the norm. I see us not just fixing it with one player ... but more than one player.”

In 2016, the Cowboys were coming off a season in which they struggled to replace their lead back from the previous year.