Re-Drafting the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft

6. Baltimore Ravens: Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Original Pick: OT Ronnie Stanley

The Baltimore Ravens took offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley with the sixth pick of the 2016 draft. Stanley has found a home as the Ravens’ starting left tackle and has established himself as a solid player at the position. As a solid starter at such an important position, it is hard to give the Ravens too much grief for taking Stanley. However, they could have done better.

In this re-draft, Ezekiel Elliott slips a bit further than he did in 2016, making him the choice for Baltimore at six.

Elliott was an absolute star right away for the Cowboys, leading the league in rushing yards as a rookie. He is a powerful back who is rarely brought down on first contact and has legitimate speed in the open field. He is also an elite pass catcher out of the backfield who can consistently create yardage after the catch.

The value of the running back position is limited, but Elliott is as good as it gets. He can do it all and can legitimately lead a strong offensive attack. Not having Stanley would leave a massive hole at left tackle that must be addressed, but Elliott could have carried the Ravens offense in his early years and would be an ideal fit going forward to pair with Lamar Jackson. Stanley was a solid pick, but Elliott could have been a special one.