Ezekiel Elliott is the best running back in the 2016 NFL draft and it seems he has a team already set to draft him if he’s available.
Often people talk about prospects in terms of ceiling during a draft. How high will this guy go? What can be overlooked from time to time is the floor. How low will they go? As to say, is there a team in the 1st round they won’t get past? Some have been asking that very question regarding top running back Ezekiel Elliott and it seems an answer has emerged.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of a big transition at running back. Having traded LeSean McCoy the year before and now doing the same with his replacement, DeMarco Murray, the only notable back they have left on the roster is Ryan Mathews. Given his history of injury concerns, one can understand the teams’ interest in finding a legitimate, workhorse running back to help balance the offense. Seems they have not only developed a liking for Elliott, but are very much enamored with him.
Eagles reportedly “in love with” Ezekiel Elliott (unless they find a hot young quarterback to run off with) https://t.co/XElCpPg750
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 13, 2016
"“If the Eagles stay at No. 8, and especially if two quarterbacks are gone by then as widely expected, then I continue to hear running back Ezekiel Elliott is the pick. They are in love with him, they have done extensive work on him, they have parted with accomplished veteran running backs LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray the past two years, they need an identity on offense and they are going to be limited at the quarterback position no matter who wins the job. So a run game is imperative. This kid has a top-10 skill set and is plug-and-play…”"
Indeed Elliott is the most complete back based on his film. He shows power, speed, acceleration and vision with plenty of toughness to handle heavy workloads. His hands are good enough to handle catching the ball and he’s easily the best pass blocker at his position in the class. There is no doubt the Eagles can make great use of him in hopes of easing the pressure on Sam Bradford.
As it stands, barring an unforeseen trade, there is only one team that could conceivably draft Elliott before the 8th pick. Ironically it’s the Eagles’ most bitter rival Dallas Cowboys at #4, who also have concerns at that position. Still, based on realistic expectations, Philadelphia will be getting a big upgrade in the backfield.