Cowboys' Elliott will have to earn starting gig, says RBs coach

When the Dallas Cowboys selected running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, it was assumed he'd immediately jump to the top of the depth chart.

While Elliott will almost certainly be the starter by the time the season rolls around, the Cowboys' coaches apparently want the rookie to take the job, rather than be handed it.

"He's going to compete," running back coach Gary Brown said, according to Clarence E. Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Zeke has to earn it. I think that's the best thing for our team and for those guys going forward."

The Cowboys' backfield isn't lacking for talent, with veterans Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden vying to take snaps away from Elliott.

"It's definitely better to have the competition," Elliott said. "It keeps you on your toes and makes sure you get your work done. The competition makes you better."

The 20-year-old got a taste of his first NFL practice this week as Dallas began their OTAs, and Elliott admitted that he underestimated the intensity of the sessions.

"It's a lot faster pace," Elliott said. "The game moves so much faster. Yesterday, I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit shell-shocked. But today I came out. I was a little bit more prepared and was more ready mentally so it was a little bit easier for me."