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Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones thinks running back Ezekiel Elliott is just scratching the surface on his capabilities on the field.

After a season marred in controversy as a result of a six-game domestic violence suspension, Elliott will attempt to return to elite form in 2018 — having led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2016. Jones believes there's much room for improvement with a full season on the horizon. 

"I think there is a lot to improve upon," Jones toldThe Dallas Morning News during Senior Bowl practice Thursday. "There are so many great things about Zeke, but yet there are so many things that if he'll improve and do better, which I think he's the first to say it, then believe it or not, he can be an even better football player and a better representative of our organization.

"He's obviously got the chance to be special and if he improves. ... we all have to improve, we all have to look at the mirror if we're not getting it done. And right now, we're not playing football, so we obviously can, we need to get better."

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Jones added that a key to Elliott reaching his potential will be improving his off-field behavior and avoiding distractions. 

"I can only say you hope so," Jones said, when asked if Elliott can avoid a public spotlight. "Zeke needs to answer that question. Obviously, right up through the start of last season, there were things that were popping up. We haven't seen that as of late, and hopefully that's a good indicator that he understands.

"I know Zeke wants to be great — I'm convinced of that, that he wants to be great. He's also got to understand that, to be great, you can't have these things that we call distractions and things of that nature." PHOTOS: Ezekiel Elliott through the years

Ezekiel Elliott throughout the years
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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott had one
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott had one of the most impressive debuts in NFL history. Take a look back at some of the signature moments of his rookie season.  Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott finished second behind Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
Elliott finished second behind teammate Dak Prescott for offensive rookie of the year, but the quarterback joked that the two should split the award.  John Salangsang, Invision for NFL
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Elliott finished his rookie year as the NFL's rushing
Elliott finished his rookie year as the NFL's rushing king with 1,631 yards on 322 carries.  Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports
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The Cowboys made Elliott the centerpiece of their offense,
The Cowboys made Elliott the centerpiece of their offense, riding him to an 11-game win streak that culminated with a Week 13 win over the Minnesota Vikings.  Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott tallied two touchdowns against the rival Washington
Elliott tallied two touchdowns against the rival Washington Redskins to lead the Cowboys to a win on Thanksgiving.  Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
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In one of the 2016 season's best games, Elliott had
In one of the 2016 season's best games, Elliott had perhaps his most important performance. His 209 total yards and three touchdowns powered a 35-30 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
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Hurdling a defender for one of his first highlight-reel
Hurdling a defender for one of his first highlight-reel plays, Elliott broke out in a Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears with 140 yards on 30 carries.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott's NFL career got off to a rough start, as he
Elliott's NFL career got off to a rough start, as he had just 51 yards on 20 carries in a Week 1 loss to the New York Giants.  Erich Schlegel, USA TODAY Sports
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The Cowboys took Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 5 overall
The Cowboys took Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.  Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott took his signature crop-top look to the NFL
Elliott took his signature crop-top look to the NFL draft.  Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott won a national championship with Ohio State
Elliott won a national championship with Ohio State in his sophomore season, his first as the team's starter.  Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports
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Elliott ran for 3,961 yards and 43 touchdowns in three
Elliott ran for 3,961 yards and 43 touchdowns in three years at Ohio State, winning Big Ten offensive player of the year in 2015.  Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
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