If I were to ask you right now who will end up being the Dallas Cowboys playmakers in 2018, what would be your answer? I don’t know what my answer would be other than Ezekiel Elliott, but one player does kind of stick out above the rest, wide receiver/running back Tavon Austin.
The Dallas Cowboys acquired Tavon Austin from the Los Angeles Rams during the 2018 NFL Draft. It was a move that was met with some skepticism from many fans, but I for one like the trade.
A lot of NFL teams are overvaluing draft picks, especially later in the draft. The Dallas Cowboys only gave up a sixth-round draft pick to acquire Austin. It’s unlikely anybody else drafted there would contribute this season, but Austin surely will.
It really looks as if the Dallas Cowboys have a clear plan for Tavon Austin this season. That’s really a good thing considering all of the unknown with the rest of the offensive playmakers.
It’s still a little strange to think about how much turnover the Dallas Cowboys have on the offensive side of the ball. Dak Prescott will pretty much be throwing to an entirely different group of wide receivers this season and will have a new tight end as well. Right now, it’s a little scary to think about all of that change and whether or not it will be successful.
Luckily, the Cowboys still have Ezekiel Elliott, who will once again be the engine that propels the entire offense. He is really the Cowboys only playmaker who we know will without a doubt find success this year. Despite having a down year in 2017, for good reason, he is still considered one of the best running backs in the league.
We should find that comforting considering all of the unknown about the rest of the offense. No one really knows what they are getting from Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, or any of the other WRs. Cole Beasley of course may be the most reliable receiving target, but I wouldn’t exactly call him a playmaker.
When I think of a playmaker, I’m envisioning someone who can take over a game by themselves. Ezekiel Elliott is more than capable of doing that, but I don’t know if there is anybody else on the Cowboys roster who would fall into that category.
Tavon Austin may not be someone who can solely take over a game, but I think he could be the next best thing. He is a dangerous player any time he touches the ball due to his speed and elusiveness. He can hurt a defense in so many different ways and that should get you a little bit excited.
Unfortunately, we don’t really know how the Dallas Cowboys or offensive coordinator Scott Linehan plan to utilize Austin’s unique skill set just yet. Linehan doesn’t have the best track record of being able to get the ball in the hands of his best playmakers, but hopefully things will change this year.
I may end up being in the minority here, but I’m going to predict that Tavon Austin ends up being the Dallas Cowboys best playmaker, not named Ezekiel Elliott, this season. I think he can make a difference as a receiver, running back, and on special teams as well.
