Cowboys rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott's "popularity is soaring," as his No. 21 jersey has been the "best-selling jersey on NFLShop.com since April," according to Matt Fitzgerald of BLEACHER REPORT. Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick in the '16 Draft, has "beaten those selected before him in merchandise, along with all other NFL players." Playing for a "big-market team in Dallas likely has something to do with Elliott's enormous jersey sales" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 7/19). ESPN.com's Darren Rovell notes Elliott topped Patriots QB Tom Brady, who "despite the focus on Deflategate finished in the second spot." Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr., Panthers QB Cam Newton and Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski rounded out the top five. Eagles rookie QB Carson Wentz, the No. 2 pick in the Draft, ranks sixth. Fanatics, which runs the NFL's online store, indicated that Columbus, where Elliott played while at Ohio State, is the city outside of Dallas that has "ordered the most Elliott Cowboys jerseys." Sales on the official online store do not include sales from the Cowboys store, which is "run separately from the league's teams" (ESPN.com, 7/20). YAHOO SPORTS' Frank Schwab noted it is "strange to see Elliott, who has never taken an NFL snap, selling more jerseys than stars" like Brady, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Texans DE J.J. Watt. However, fans could not buy an Elliott jersey before April, and they have had "years to buy the jersey of their favorite star." Schwab: "The Cowboys are a huge draw across the country and Elliott will play a glamour position for them" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/19).
