With The First Pick
Fansided

2016 NFL Draft Scouts’ Take: Ezekiel Elliott

By Carl Cockerham

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) is pursued by Oregon Ducks cornerback Chris Seisay (12) on a 33-yard touchdown run in the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) is pursued by Oregon Ducks cornerback Chris Seisay (12) on a 33-yard touchdown run in the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

SCOUTS’ TAKE

STRENGTHS

CBSSports Draft Analyst Dane Brugler said of Elliotts strengths. “Elliott is extremely well-rounded as a runner with ideal size for the position along with coordinated footwork that is always in sync with his eyes. He runs with natural pad level and fantastic forward lean, using his balance, leg drive and relentless fight to move the chains and pick up every inch he can.

“Plays with a strong intensity for the game. Elliott is at his best on counter run plays, stopping on a dime and transitioning his weight to shoot through holes and dart through the second level of the defense. He displays outstanding vision to quickly read blocks and rarely runs with hesitation, bouncing away from would-be tacklers without slowing down.”

WEAKNESSES

“Elliott needs to become more consistent as a receiver and needs refinement as a blocker, but it’s tough to find weaknesses in his run style, which is why he could projects as one of the top running backs and a likely first-round pick in the 2016 class.”

Next: Scout's Take

Home/NFL Draft Scouting Reports