Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) forces a fumble by Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) as McFadden is running into the end zone during the second half at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In Cowboys Chat, Reid Hanson discussed Ezekiel Elliott, the predicted depth chart, and how Darren McFadden could be the odd man out.

Reid Hanson recently held a live chat regarding the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL Draft. Here are excerpts from that discussion:

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Will Ezekiel Elliott be the week 1 starter?

Yes. No question. If only for the simple fact that he’s the #4 overall pick. Jason Garrett doesn’t feel compelled to fairly distribute carries. 2014 was an example that Garrett was just fine running his favorite back into the ground. Ezekiel Elliott is going to get the ball early and often.

Will Darren McFadden be his primary back-up or will it be Alfred Morris?

Morris. Morris is a runner who thrives in a zone blocking scheme. Darren McFadden is a runner who struggles in a zone blocking scheme. Since the Cowboys run roughly 80% in zone, Morris is a much better fit.

McFadden has a great season last year and Morris seems to be breaking down.

I think it’s a common misconception he had a great year. McFadden didn’t have a great year. He just stayed healthy and ran behind a better offensive line. His yards before contact increased by a yard, it only makes sense that his yards per carry followed suit.

How do you see the depth chart in 2016?

Ezekiel Elliott, Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden, and Darius Jackson to start the season. I don’t think the Cowboys will keep a FB. Lance Dunbar will probably start the season on the PUP but when he returns, I believe it will be at the expense of McFadden.

Darren McFadden will be cut?

Yup. He’s the only player who’s not a natural zone runner.

He’s a bad fit in this offense and will be used to provide insurance early, but if everyone is healthy, he doesn’t have a place.

The Cowboys would rather keep a sixth rounder, Jackson, than keep their #1 returning ball carrier from 2015?

I think so. Darius Jackson is a pretty awesome RB. He’s shifty, strong, and can run passing routes. I’ll have to wait and see if he can pass protect but as far, I think he’s a great fit on this offense. I think if everyone stays healthy, Darren McFadden will be the odd man out.

I’ll even go as far as predicting the depth chart in 2017 will be Elliott, Jackson, and Dunbar. Pass catchers are huge for Scott Linehan, and while this is Jason Garrett’s offense, it incorporates a lot of Scott Linehan. Morris and McFadden are proven insurance policies and not a whole lot more.