Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott tied for NFC East rookie of the year honors, as voted on by the four reporters covering the division for ESPN.com.
Todd Archer, Cowboys reporter: Dak Prescott. Wait, not Ezekiel Elliott? Elliott came in with high expectations as the fourth overall pick. Prescott came in with no expectations as a fourth-round pick, and all he did was tie Ben Roethlisberger for the most wins (13) by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He entered training camp as the Cowboys’ third quarterback, but injuries to Tony Romo and Kellen Moore forced him into the lineup. He responded with 23 touchdown passes and just four interceptions, answering every challenge along the way. He even went through an early December hiccup and responded with two of his best games.
Jordan Raanan, New York Giants reporter: The Cowboys don’t just have the two best rookies in the division, they have the two best rookies in the NFL with Elliott and Prescott. What differentiates Elliott is that he came into the league and was immediately a top-three player at his position. I can’t say that about Prescott, even if he plays a more difficult position. Going into each week, opposing coaches talk about how they have to shut down Elliott, that that is their No. 1 priority. He’s that dangerous a threat as a runner and pass-catcher. He runs with speed, power and elusiveness. He can do it all. No wonder Elliott averaged 5.1 yards per rush and finished as the league’s leading rusher by over 300 yards.
Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles reporter: As the No. 4 overall pick out of Ohio State, Elliott led the league in rushing by more than 300 yards despite sitting out the regular-season finale against the Eagles. He is blessed with the best offensive line in football, sure, but it’s also true that the Cowboys are blessed with one of the top offensive players in the NFL.
John Keim, Washington Redskins reporter: Prescott deserves mention and praise. The fourth-round pick threw for 23 touchdowns versus only four interceptions, and rushed for six more scores. He was third in both total QBR (81.7) and passer rating (104.9). Prescott’s poise made a tremendous difference late in games, and when he needed to make a play or lead a drive, he did. There’s a reason Dallas survived minus Romo, and why the Cowboys didn’t go back to him when he was finally healthy. Prescott can improve, of course, but his style (lack of turnovers) meshed well with the ball-control philosophy.