2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 11 Update
By Jon Dove
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Clayton Fejedelem (20) and Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) pursue Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State beat Illinois 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
8. Tennessee Titans- Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans have plenty of holes on the roster but their main focus needs to be supporting Marcus Mariota. One of the best ways to help a young quarterback is to provide him a reliable running game.
Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott is an every-down back who moves the chains. He’s a powerful runner who finishes by moving the pile forward. However, Elliott also has excellent quickness and speed which makes him a home-run threat.
His effort as a blocker and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield means that Elliott never has to leave the field.
Tennessee has invested heavily at the wide receiver position by drafting Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham and Justin Hunter. All three of these receivers have shown promise but are still developing. Adding another young receiver to the mix wouldn’t make a ton of sense.
The Titans could look to beef up the defensive line with someone like Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson. He’d provide instant help stopping the run and free things up for the linebackers. Robinson is a space eater who excels at occupying blockers.
It’s important to mention that this franchise is going through another coaching change which could mean different philosophies. We can’t rule out the possibility that Tennessee moves from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 system.
Next: No. 9 New Orleans