Projected to be the first running back off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft, Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott is coming off back-to-back 1,800-yard rushing seasons. As a junior in 2015, he logged 1,821 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns on 289 carries en route to being named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Elliott also earned second-team All-America honors for his play.
The 6-0, 225-pound running back finished his career at Ohio State with the second-most rushing yards in school history (3,961) and the most rushing yards in consecutive seasons (3,699). His workload over the past two seasons (562 carries) is of some concern to scouts, but is not expected to affect his draft stock. Due to his athleticism, blocking and pass-catching skills, the 20-year-old is expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Scouting Report From NFL.com
"Elite combination of vision and decisiveness. Instinctive, short strider with instant reaction time. Has a bona fide jump-cut to elude penetration in the backfield and enough burst to elude chasers when he bounces runs to the outside. Able to change directions with no hesitation or wasted motion and is always headed forward. Has innate feel for developing blocks in space and is excellent at setting his blocks up and accelerating from behind them when the linebacker is trapped. When it's gridlocked inside, finds yards on his own. Rocked up physique but still maintains loose hips for agility. Exceptional balance through contact and takes tacklers for a ride. Has a 'come at me, bro!' mentality as a runner. Loves to end runs on his physical terms. Uses lead shoulder as a weapon, but plays with outstanding ball security. Looks to absolutely bludgeon defenders as a lead blocker and is often successful. Able pass catcher who adjusts to throws and can do something with it after the catch." – Lance Zierlein
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*What He Said
"I think the thing that sets me apart is my versatility. I'm a guy that can play three downs. You don't have to take me off the field. I value blocking more than anything. I obviously love to run the ball and I think I have great hands out of the backfield." – Ezekiel Elliott on what sets him apart !
- READ: T Jack Conklin
- READ: DB Jalen Ramsey
- READ: WR Laquon Treadwell
