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Cowboys take Ohio State RB Elliott with 4th overall pick

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By SCHUYLER DIXON
AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys have taken Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL draft.

It's the highest Dallas has drafted a running back since taking Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett second overall in 1977. All-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith went 17th to the Cowboys in 1990.

Running back wasn't the biggest need going into Thursday night's draft with Darren McFadden coming off a strong season and the Cowboys adding two-time Pro Bowler Alfred Morris from Washington in free agency.

But the Cowboys will get to put the top-rated running back in the draft behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines. Dallas took blockers in the first round three times in a span of four seasons starting in 2011.

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