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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Ezekiel Elliott, RB
School: Ohio State | Conference: BIG-10
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 225 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st Round
NFL Comparison: Le'Veon Bell with Nitro

College Statistics

Player Overview

Well, Ezekiel Elliott said he wants to play for the Cowboys. He might have had a chance to get drafted #4 overall if this was 2009 but while he is still a top 10 talent in my view his draft projected position aligns nicely for the Redskins at #21. Elliott has elite level speed it helped him win 4 state championships in track and field, including the 100 and 200-meter dash and hurdles. He is so good at seeing the field in its entirety and finishing his runs. Mike Mayock says "Ezekiel Elliott is just about as fast sideways as he is forward". Elliott's lateral running ability and speed are unreal. It's allowed him to make many plays that would have resulted in negative yards into positive gains. He runs with great determination, confidence, and balance. He is considered the best overall running back in this class and I have to agree. He will be a franchise running back wherever he lands.

Strengths

  • Superb balance he can bounce off defenders and break tackles. He can also change direction effortlessly. He distributes his weight well and plays low.
  • Solid in pass protection. He was also used as a run blocker at Ohio State and he didn't shy away.
  • Elite level suddenness, speed, and acceleration.
  • Solid hands catching out of the backfield and running routes.
  • Elite level vision, patience, and ability to follow and set up blocks.
  • Physical gets low and finishes defenders on his runs.

Weaknesses

  • High volume of carries the past two years, as a lead dog that volume shouldn't drop off very much how much tread is left?
  • He is physical but his mass is lean he runs into hits he doesn't necessarily need to.


Let's see his work:




Combine Results

Zeke ran a 4.46 40

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

I think Zeke Elliott will be very much in the mix at pick #21. He is by far the most explosive and versatile back in this class and he has several elite level traits. Never count out the crazy of Ryan Grigson and the Colts at pick #18 but if Zeke lasts past those guys I have a feeling he is near the top of McCloughan's draft board. Zeke would be the lead dog and Matt Jones would be relegated to some 3rd down duty and to spell Elliott when he gets tired. I actually think Zeke and Jones would compliment each other very well but do you spend a 1st round pick on a guy then put him in a timeshare? I don't think so. Elliot has the potential to be a consistent 1300 - 1500 yard + and 10+ TD rusher in the NFL and will be a clear difference maker to the team that drafts him.

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