The 2016 NFL Draft is only hours away, and the Cleveland Browns need virtually everything to improve. That leaves an open door for who they could pick with the eighth overall pick. If Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott falls to the Browns at eight, should they pull the trigger?
Ezekiel Elliott is hands down the best running back in the draft, and has received Adrian Peterson comparisons.
The Browns need playmakers on offense, and it’s arguable the best playmaker on the board is Elliott. In the past two seasons he put up 3,699 yards rushing and 41 touchdowns. He produces big runs, and always shows out in big games (see his 2015 College Football Playoff tape), and could give Cleveland a weapon for years to come. Not to mention he would be a hometown hero coming from the in-state Ohio State Buckeyes.
Elliott would also be a godsend for Hue Jackson and Robert Griffin III. He would be able to take a lot of pressure off Griffin III, and can take some attention away from the quarterback. Not to mention that gives Hue Jackson a great tandem to work with given Duke Johnson Jr. offers huge upside in the passing game (534 yards and a touchdown as a rookie) would give him a scenario similar to the Hill/Bernard duo in Cincinnati.
This pick makes a lot of sense for Cleveland. He is a big time playmaker who would give the Browns their first major playmaker since Josh Gordon who is still suspended. Not to mention Cleveland has 11 other picks in the draft to address their needs, and build a foundation of solid young players. But while Elliott is a big boost, other picks can be argued for here.
As mentioned earlier, the Browns have needs at nearly every position besides left tackle. Defense seems to be one big glaring hole, and it would’t be unfathomable to see them pick a premier defender such as Myles Jack or DeForest Buckner up if they’re available. However, if those big name defenders are off the board, why not Elliott? Why not give your team a workhorse who can be a three down back if necessary? In my opinion, if Elliott is there at eight pulling the trigger should be a no brainer.