Should Miami Dolphins Eye RB Ezekiel Elliot in Draft?
Is Ezekiel Elliot worth the the Miami Dolphins 13th Pick in the NFL Draft?
Is Ezekiel Elliot worth the 13th pick of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL 2016 Draft?
The Miami Dolphins have lost there top running back in Lamar Miller, and then have tried desperately to replace him. So far they have been less than lucky in their attempts to sign a veteran. It’s being reported that the Dolphins are seriously considering the selection of Ohio State Running back Ezekiel Elliott with the 13th pick in the first round. So, should Miami Dolphins eye Elliot in Draft?
Adam Gase is the head coach and tight-ends and running backs are the go juice in his system. He a restructured Cameron and Simms under contract. So the TE’s are settled. Miller was let go and C.J. Anderson was reeled back to Denver. And so far, it seems Ajayi isn’t the man to lead his “O”. With a back missing at this point in free agency, the Draft is the last place to get one of an upper echelon caliber.
Elliott has been deemed the “best running back” in the draft. He’s 6’1”, 225 pounds, and has the speed and physicality to be an every down back in the NFL. Last season, he carried the rock 289 times for 1,821 and 23 touchdowns, and was the Postseason MVP for the Buckeyes two years ago when they won the National Championship. Pass blocking, the most important trait for a three down back, he’s very good at as well. So will Miami, should Miami go running back with the first round pick – if he is still there?
Dolphins run a zone blocking scheme which favors agile blocker who use angles to have there way with “D’s”. This year Gase will run a lot of stretch runs with a back side escape hatch. They need a back with speed to hit the corner and patience to cut it back when over pursuit and lane integrity is lost. Denver ran it back in the day with T.D. – he was a 6th round pick.
The negatives on Elliot are he takes a little too much abuse and can run high a bit to much. Me, I don’t like his broad just and verticals – they aren’t just test, but metrics to demonstrate explosion. I see him as fast but limited pop. Much of what he did in college, the bounces outside with the”soft S”, hitting wide holes, isn’t going to happen against the speed of an NFL “D”.
Am I saying he is a bust? Heck no! But worth the 13th pick? A reader named Steve knows a heck of a lot more than me on the college game, and he is sky high on him. He might be right. The kid is fast, tough, big, and strong. But, even if he is all that, if there is no holes, what will he do?
Miami Dolphins must decide what’s the focus of the 2016 offense.
Consistency and continuity are key for an offensive line, especially in the zone-blocking scheme, and any sports gambling fan knows Miami’s line hasn’t had that in a long time. Gase has stated the line is better than it has produced. Bushrod has been brought in to fill a guard spot. But, cut blocks are near outlawed, so the days of the Broncs’ stretch, cut, and cripple with lesser linemen is over. Can a line plagued with injuries and inconsistent play be consistent in 2016? And if not, isn’t it a waste to have a stud getting beaten into a dud?
I like the kid. But, I’d like a productive O-line a lot more. None of this means they will even draft a RB or O-linemen anyway. But, on the flip side, if he ended up a Peterson and we missed, what would the fallout of hindsight be?
Mike Tannenbaum and the Miami Dolphins are in a tight bind. They have warm bodies in places of need: CB, LB, DE, and even G – although those bodies look like they should be in the morgue. But, it seems heading into the Draft the only place where they aimed and missed, and are short on bodies is RB. They need to nail this for their credibility and for the Dolphins to have hope they can rise from the ashes. The only thing I can think of now is what Arnold Schwarzenegger said to Lou Ferrigno’s father in the movie Pumping Iron: “Don’t screw it up this time”! Go Fins!!
With this OL, not even AP can be successful, and thats saying a ton.
It wont matter who the RB is…if the OL cant block. See what has happened to Tanny in the pocket for evidence.
Jimmy
I read a Bleacher Report briefly about Miami making a trade for RB. Before the Fins go and trade away picks. Why can’t they call up Ray Rice former Raven RB he did start? I’m sure the drama has died down?
Kriag Urbik may not be the savior or answer to our O-Line woes. He is a good piece to the puzzle, in other words, he adds quality depth and if we do not add another guard between now and opening day (if we don’t, run Taanebaum out of town right then), he would beat out all three of last years guards (Douglas/Turner/Thomas). It is smart $, smart move, will not alter next years compensation pick(s). I don’t believe they see this player as day 1 starter, but a piece to the puzzle. A player that will come in and compete, and if warranted; will become a starter, if not, he is quality veteran depth.
Just look ahead to next years draft compensation at this point; at least 2 third round picks (Miller/Vernon), possibly a third third round pick for Mathews; but at least a forth rounder and possibly a fifth round for Shelby. That would be an extra 2 third round picks a forth rounder and a fifth rounder and plenty of cap space to boot.
I really like this staff/regime’s approach. We are actually acting like a professional organization for a change. Not panicking and over spending on both the Guard/RB options. I just hope that they have a alternative plan through and after the draft. Let other teams pay BIG $ for over valued player(s). Some being our own player(s), while our draft picks increase as well as a big increase in cap space moving forward. That is how winning organizations operate.
We may be more than one player away heading into the 16 draft/season. With a good 16 draft and progression from our 15 draft class we could be one player away heading into the 17 season. All the sudden we have a boat load of cap space to invest in the one player if available, and a boat load of draft picks to be able to maneuver and/or the draft the best player available. That is how championship rosters/teams are built. Remember in 17, players such as; Wake (9.8), D.Jordan (6.2), Cameron (6), Jenkins (1.7) will all be free agents, potentially freeing up a total of 23+ million more dollars in cap space.
Let the other teams be the off season champions, the Miami Dolphins have been the previous 3 years and NOTHING to show for it. Don’t panic, I like being one of the silent assassins for a change.
Lemmus
I’m Confident the Fins will thru FA get a starting Guard and Draft top Tackle and Quards.
…sigh
…we “can’t”
…we must go for “value”
…yada yada yada
…oh yeah, we added guards …some guards …cast-offs …neer-do-wells …never-weres …etc, etc
…Osemele, Brooks, Mathis …never even pursued a one of them by all accounts …sure they cost a bit …because, eh, other teams “valued” them more than we did …this FO doesn’t “value” guards …they’re plug ‘n play, any warm body will do …except they don’t “do”
…pass blocking sucks, run blocking sucks, Thomas “might” be “adequate” at RG/run …etc etc
…who the heck wants “adequate” at one position for one type of play “if” he gets help, when he’s simply incompetent elsewhere …is that our new bottom line? …adequate? …occasionally?
…and spare me the “we can’t draft a guard there” bit …we “reached” for an RT there and so far, so good …go back and read the “we can’t” chants before that draft …too high, no value, wrong place, could have got him later, needed a “difference maker” …etc etc
…I’m telling all of you …we can, we should, we must …unless a top five on OUR board falls to 13th …then maybe “IF” hes a position of need …else trade back and draft guards until the cows come home …imnsho of course
…Dunner, I hear you on defense …and within limits, you’re right …but here’s the limits …for virtually every position of need on defense we have players that can and should move up …Lippet, Jones, etc …already there …maybe they will, maybe they won’t …but at the very least, the pantry isn’t empty
…at guard, starter and b/u, the pantry is bare imnsho …at OT, we might have a decent b/u for LT/RT …and at C, Douglas might learn to snap to the QB, not at him …but still, at guard, the pantry is bare
…nowhere else is the pantry so bare, imnsho …draft guards, now, this year, 1st/2nd/3rd if necessary …we CAN get RBs in the 4th, eh …and they might even be able to run behind a decent OL 🙂
Quarterback fact stats 2015: FinFans can we evaulate our Dolphins?
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Team Quarterback Sacked Per Game
(One more sack than dolphins)
Rank Team Games Sacked QB Sacked Per Game
26 Seattle Seahawks 16 46 2.88
Team Leaders Passing Leaders Att Comp Yards TDs INT
Russell Wilson 483 329 4,024 34 8
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Team Quarterback Sacked Per Game
(Best in the Game)
Rank Team Games Sacked QB Sacked Per Game
19 New England Patriots 16 38 2.38
Team Leaders Passing Leaders Att Comp Yards TDs INT
Tom Brady 624 402 4,770 36 7
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTeam Quarterback Sacked Per Game
Rookie 1st season)
Rank Team Games Sacked QB Sacked Per Game
6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 27 1.69
Team Leaders Passing Leaders Att Comp Yards TDs INT
Jameis Winston 535 312 4,042 22 15
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Team Quarterback Sacked Per Game
Rank Team Games Sacked QB Sacked Per Game
25 Miami Dolphins 16 45 2.81
Passing Leaders Att Comp Yards TDs INT
Ryan Tannehill 586 363 4,208 24 12
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Team Quarterback Sacked Per Game
Rookie 1st year
Rank Team Games Sacked QB Sacked Per Game
32 Tennessee Titans 16 54 3.38
Passing Leaders Att Comp Yards TDs INT
Marcus Mariota 370 230 2,818 19 10
Matt Cassel 204 119 1,276 5 7
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http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/teams/362/tampa-bay-buccaneers/#Points%20per%20Game$SeasonMax=9999&SeasonMin=1990
Hello FinFans
It appears that we are getting restless in Miami about the Offensive line.
Morning take: The Dolphins have not figured out their offensive line in years, particularly at guard. Pouncey said reducing sacks will be key next season.
Tannehill, who has been sacked 184 times in his four-year career, more than any other quarterback in that span, also refused to blame the guards for the sack problems and the offensive line as a whole. He pointed out that left tackle Branden Albert and right tackle Ja’Wuan James have been afflicted by injuries the last two years.
The Dolphins have already signed three veteran offensive linemen this offseason, adding Jermon Bushrod, Sam Young and Jacques McClendon to fortify a unit that struggled last season.
If signed, Urbik will likely compete with Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas and McClendon for one of the two starting guard spots, and one of eight or nine spots on the 53-man roster.
That being said for the Dolphins to draft a Quard @ the 13th pick would not be wise!
I would not go draft maybe A# 3 tackle @ the 13th picked!
Realistic approach: Would we go back and draft a needed linemen before Dan Marino in the 1st round? I think not FinFans?
The 13th spot is for BEST PLAYER i.e Ezekiel Elliot who checks all blocks or just look to trade back for more picks. Then getting OT there are 3 ,OLB Lee,CB Apple. I would not take a OG below picked 30th in this draft? The value is not there?
A few things we should consider is How long does our QB hold the Ball?
Can the Fins line Run Blocked better?
Why are the Dolphins Adamant about passing one demensional for defense to key on QB?
Where are the receivers at 2.5 seconds??
We cannot panic and draft a Offensive Guard @ 13th picked
Cody Whitehair, OG Projected 43rd 1st Pick Round 2
Vadal Alexander,OG Projected 46th 2nd best Offensive Guard Round 2
…should we draft a RB in the 1st round?
…sigh …same old, same old …the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!
…did you get that? …did I underemphasize?
…the ONLY position that we should draft in the 1st AND 2nd is Guard …repeat …GUARD
…WE HAVE ZERO GUARDS! …NO STARTERS …NO BACKUPS …unless you redefine the position as a turnstile designed to ensure permanent injury to the QB …then we’re just fine with what we have …get it!
…we have tried drafting guards in the third and fourth rounds over the past years …didn’t work …we have the same scouting staff as we had during those drafts …and yet the constant refrain is that we can get guards in the later rounds …yeah, right …OTHER teams can get guards in the later rounds, the fins, not so much …get it!
…draft the highest ranked guard in each of the first two rounds …FIX the damned position NOW!
…PLEASE STOP THE NONSENSE! …this team goes nowhere until the OL is fixed …doesn’t make a damn whether we have Adrian Peterson at RB or Tom Brady at QB, both would fail behind this OL …enough already
…forgive the caps …or not …I don’t care …I’m tired of losing …and we will continue to lose unless and until the OL is fixed
…THEN and only then will it make a damn bit of difference who the RB or QB is
Lemmus, Guard in the first round will not happen unless we trade down to the late twenties. There may, MAY be one guard taken in the first round, meaning that we could get a top 3 guard at 42. Again, and I understand where you are coming from, we need defensive help. Did you not watch last years games? As bad as the guard play was, along with the play calling, the defense was even worse. In case you haven’t noticed, 3 of the last 4 Super Bowl winners have been lead by their defense. Even the 4th team N.E. won on a defensive stance. Cry for for RBs, Guards, bottom line you can not win on a consistent basis without at least a decent defense. This is not just my opinion, it is the tale of the tape. Look it up!
Now, now! Men OUR age should watch our heart rate!! Just to be clear, if the you is me, I have been riding the same train as you. But with the trade back Miami has entered a no man’s land for linemen. If they can’t trade back, they are reaching for Conklin who isn’t a LT…maybe a RT or G. Miami could vastly over reach for Whitehair, but then they could trade into the first if needed for him or Vandal. You know my position, I wanted all in for Osemele – that’s dead. What is your take on their move with this in mind? I further agree that they might be nuts with their view that the line is close. But, given all that, it seems THEY believe Bushrod will play LG and Thomas will play RG and they will fill it with 2nd pick and beyond. Are they likely wrong? YUP! IF Albert plays 16, and IF Pouncy plays 16, and IF James makes it 16, and IF Bushrod stays healthy and IF he can make the transition, and IF Thomas can settle into a position that provides more PB help, THEN the line would be okay – I’ll go play lotto now with that kind of luck. But, the context of the article is threefold: what to do with the pick if a “Superstar” is sitting there at 13 given the talent available; what WILL THEY do if he is sitting there at 13; and is Elliot just hype? We know the line is paramount, but great FO’s fill G spots all over the draft. I’m not saying this is one of the great ones, but in their current situation, they are likely able to get the same talent with their 1st as their 2nd and 3rd now due to the top 2 Tackles most likely being off the board. And don’t worry – caps or not, your one of my FAVS!!
Lemmus/Admin, I was not in any way taking shots at Lemmus or calling him or anyone else out (OK, maybe Freak a few times, LOL). I am not here to be a keyboard cowboy. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I am not saying that I, nor anyone else is right or wrong. So I hope my replies/posts are taken that way, they are not meant that way.
We all bleed orange and desire a winning team. Our front office has been such a joke the past decade, we all should feel as though we know what it takes to right this ship, because we do know that the past regimes have NOT!!!
Nah, Dunner – no worries, least from me. Lemmus cares for his team…that’s very cool, and so do you. Brothers / fans talk with passion…that’s how it would go at the bar over some drinks, and same is cool here. Freak – well…different story all together.
The Dolphins have been drafting like the Jets did 3-4 years ago! They do not believe in a offensive line and balanced pass and run game!!! They do not choose the best running backs.,
While choosing discards from teams that release players who do not meet a high level of expectations they need to have to make it in the NFL. They started off this year by trading down, then look for a running back. DUH!!! They are 2-3 years away from being challenging the league with a roster that will compete. Start drafting quality players. This has become a habit, that is PATCH work. Stop and do your job!!!!!!
Daniel great points – I will start off by saying I am not a fan of Tannebaum. I try not to let emotion cloud my judgement. But, I will say this, he is riding several key decisions to either a firing or a parade. Mario deal…guy play lights out huge plus. Either Alonso or Maxwell pan out with a good pick, my hate comes off to him. If both Maxwell and Alonso plus the pick pan out I will be a believer. I grit my teeth to say this…it hurts, but I can see a scenario where Dallas Thomas moves over to right and Bushrod fits in…the only reason I say this is because we are running the zone stretch – any other scheme and I be very sour. IF – man I hate that word – if, they are able to coach up like a Belichick does, then we are talking a whole other ballgame. Philbin was terrible – sometimes we forget how terrible he is now that he is gone. You sure a heck can coach up and down. NOW, I’m not saying this is the case, but rather this is the spin we are being feed – it’s not all pipe dreams as there is some evidence to support this. So we are being told we have a good system and staff – time will tell. NO MATTER what the Dolphins are seasons away from being able to say they are in the vicinity of a ring. That’s okay though. All I, and any Fin Fan, are asking for is competence and an occasional brilliant move. If we get that, on top of good coaching and gameday management, I’ll dirty my drawers. Do your job – the Pats phrase, good bulls-eye to aim for – minus the cheating! 🙂
PhinFans
There’s is hope for the Fins backfield rushing game?
Scenerio: Player Overview
The younger brother of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, Glenn would be the fourth Gronkowski brother to play in the NFL, matching the NFL record.
He started all 13 games in 2015, averaging 4.1 yards per rush and 15.2 yards per catch. Gronkowski also scored a touchdown rushing, receiving and passing in 2015, and finished with seven career touchdowns.
Has proven himself as a versatile talent as a rusher, receiver and blocker. A versatile talent, Gronkowski established himself as one of the better blockers at the college level early in his career. Made the most of his limited touches with seven career touchdowns.
Gronkowski will now compete with Northwestern’s Dan Vitale and Wisconsin’s Derek Watt to be the first fullback drafted in the 2016 class. Gronkowski is expected to be drafted on Day 3, likely in the fifth-to-seventh round range.
KENYAN DRAKE ALABAMA IS RANKED #8TH IN RUNNING BACKS:
This running back can bring a lot of versatility to an offense because of all the things he can do. First, Drake has good size and excellent speed. This is a quick athlete who can beat you up the middle, around the perimeter or in the passing game.
Drake is one of the SEC’s most explosive players. He has good vision and terrific feet. Runs with patience, allowing things to set up in front of him before he makes his move. He can see things evolve during the play and react quickly. Drake can accelerate to top speed quickly. He loves to find space and bounce things to the outside. Runs with good balance and decent power. What’s impressive is that he consistently made explosive plays against some of the nation’s best and fastest defenses.
Drake has also shown the ability to really turn into a receiver out of the backfield. There are no linebackers that can stay with him and he’s bigger than many safeties. He’s a rare threat because he can get behind a secondary or take a short pass the distance.
IN OUR VIEW: Drake has a chance to be a very good pro, especially if he ends up with a franchise with a creative offensive coordinator. There are so many ways you can utilize his abilities in both the run and pass game. He may not be an every-down back in the NFL, but Drake is a guy who can target with 10-15 touches each Sunday.
RB’s that are better than those who the Dolphins just tried to signed in FA listed below?
1. Elliot 2. Henry 5. Collins 6. Jordan Howard 8. Drake
PhinFans
Scenerio: Fins dont draft RB 1st round and say offensive line and Defensive players are drafted AND WE ARE LOOKING AT DAY 2 AND 3 DRAFTEE???
Dolphins some how land some extra picks FOR DAY TWO AND DAY THREE DRAFTING:
The Miami Dolphins Backfield A # 1 FB Younger Brother of New England’s Chronk who Ranked 1st in blocking, Receiving,Rushing FB.
and
A # 8th RB Drake has speed,Blocking, Rushing, Receiving
Possible Extra picks: Ranked on their position 1 thru 8th
4th rounder with best value 104th Kenyan Drake RB 8th best RB
5th rounder with best value 146 Glenn Gronkowski FB ranked # 1 best
This would create more pass protection for the Dolphins QB. The Dolphins cannot come out on offense facing Pats, Bills or Jets with their last 4 year offense?? They would love to ripped this current offense apart?????
A serious backfield would be A GOOD OFFENSES LINE WITH Elliot along with FB Gronkowski
If you can’t block for the run, protect your quarterback or defend the run, then it doesn’t matter who the running back is.
Agree…only caveat is if he is a “Peterson” type talent can you pass up on that? Not saying he is – but that’s the general quandary. In theory you could say Elliot 1st line second and beyond and sprinkle alittle D in. I’m not advocating it, but IF he feel to 13 and IF he was a generational talent, I think it would be worth it to have some hiccups this year for long term gain.
I am starting to warm up to the Elliot idea. But, there is no way that he slides down to 13, and we are not (or should not be) in the position to give away picks to move. If anything, we should be considering a trade back to acquire more pick(s). If we are going to land Elliot I say we go all in and take the top TE (Henry) at 42 as well. That would be a collection of young, dynamic offensive players, which we would need to out score teams.
I believe that there will be a few more serviceable guards released, cut, etc. Having said that, it is quite troublesome that we have not acquired a true guard yet. Yes, we brought in a tackle that you would think could transition to guard. But, that is taking a big risk. After all, everyone knows that there are 2 glaring weaknesses on this O-Line and if they are not addressed, we will struggle offensively again. If this guard situation resurfaces due to compliance, then Tannebaum needs to be run out of town quicker than Ireland was. I will give them the benefit of doubt and believe that they have a plan for these 2 positions. It smells like a trade down to acquire more pick(s) and definitely grab one if not 2 guards. Tannebaum is wheeler and dealer, so maybe he pulls off a trade to acquire one. What would that take though, again should not be giving picks away and we don’t have required pieces to complete such trade.
I am less uninclined to draft Elliot now as well Dunner…I think Steve is working magic in the background. I still want a top line, then CB, then LB, then runner in that order. Maybe flip the Line, I don’t know I’m starting to get suckered into the Alonso thing…dumb me. I’d like to trade back unless a good corner is available. All I know is this line doesn’t have me sold and I’m praying T-Bomb is’t crazy enough to believe it is…like he did last year.
Admin
Understand your concern about having two solid starting Guards and two good backups ready to start OT. In addition to Dunner’s Defensive up grades.
Though I see Elliots true value, I would not trade up for him, he would have to falled to the 13th or later. Frankly if Miami has a trade partner I would trade for more picks possibly if Dallas,Philly and the Giants pass on Elliot by Miami trading back could still get “Elliot a long Shot Yes!”
The CBS draft board has player value rated in this order:
3 Joey Bosa DE Ohio State
8 Elliot RB Ohio State
12 Darron Lee OLB Ohio State
16 Eli Apple CB Ohio State
22 Taylor Decker OT Ohio State
Apple is being talked up and that might be the best option…of to make Lemmus happy trade back and get Decker…
Dunner
Base on the Dolphins draft order they would have their choice of ILB etc. Sample Who’s in reach and most value for that pick. This scenerio Dolphins could draft 2 quality linebackers, OT,OG,CB,QB,RB,FS Not counting Extra picks????
1st round Just trade again day of draft ????? RB Elliot,CB Apple, OLB Lee,OT Conklin
2nd Round Day of draft if they trade again still would be in reach of
Offensive Guard: Vadal rank # 2 Guard
3rd Round Hankenberg Ranked 5th QB or Alex Collins RB ranked 5th RB
4th Round Tyler Matakevich ILB ranked 4th best ILB
5th Round Scooby Wright ILB Ranked 6th Best or Cardale Jones Ranked 7th QB
6th Round KJ Dillon Strong Safety ranked 6th best SS
7th Round Jared Norris ILB ranked 8th Best
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If the Fins are successful trading out again should get 2 or 3 extra picks and a shot at:
Possible Extra picks: Ranked on their position 1 thru 8th
4th rounder with best value 104th Kenyan Drake RB 8th best RB
5th rounder with best value 146 Glenn Gronkowski FB ranked # 1 best
138th Sean Davis Free Safety ranked 5th Best
6th rounder with best value 172 DeAndre Carson Free Safety Ranked 6th Best
7th rounder with best value 191 Kevin Byard Strong Safety Ranked 7th best
193rd Jared Norris ILB ranked 8th best
These are players ranked 1st threw 8th best in their position. Why would we settle for players ranked passed 10th best???
They should trade back from 13 to high teens 18 or 19 if they can and pick up another second rounder unless they have their man available at 13
If their man is Elliot then we will have hopefully a more dynamic offense
You can Get a good RB in the second or third round unless their minds are made up – if xx player is there at 13 we are taking him vs trading back
A lot depends on their draft board
Get the best available players whether its a def end or LB or Corner or Guard in first round
Move back again in the second round and get an additional third round pick
This would give us 5 picks in the first 3 rounds
We sure could use 5 new starters or a good tackle to backup Albert
I just hope we have a great smart draft this year
I’d be fine with a trade back. And from what I’m seeing I think they are going the belli route of controlled cap and many picks. Was reading that’s why Tannenbaum has gone light in FA so he gets the maximum comp. picks – Dunner nailed that one!!
NFL Mock Draft: Why Cowboys taking Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 isn’t crazy
By Will Brinson | NFL WriterMarch 16, 2016 3:28 pm ET
There is a clear-cut first shelf of talent in this draft. If we assume one quarterback goes in the top seven picks, there’s going to be a shelf at No. 8 overall. Unless the Cowboys do something weird and go off script. Many people believe they’ll consider a quarterback at No. 4 and it’s entirely possible they do.
But what about running back instead? Dallas saw a massive drop off from DeMarco Murray to Joseph Randle/Darren McFadden last season. Even if McFadden ultimately rushed for 1,000 yards, Dallas’ rushing attack wasn’t anything resembling the dominant force it was in 2014.
Paying a lot for a running back is dumb. And spending a top-five draft pick is a big chunk of capital. But it’s not nearly the amount you’re dealing with if you plop down a bunch of guaranteed money in free agency. In fact, deciding Ezekiel Elliott is a complete back — one who can run effectively, catch in every possible scenario and even block well — and using a top-five pick on him isn’t crazy, even if it’s not in line with current NFL economics. Elliott would revive the Cowboys run game immediately and give them an explosive feature back under team control at a reasonable cost for the next five years.
The Jones’ aren’t afraid to go for gusto. This a bold move worth considering.
Just some MORE food for THOUGHT!
Jimmy
I guess this is my Que to reninerate the taking of Ezekel Elliot. Running Back is the last position the FinFans I believed would consider drafting in the 1st round. Ordinarly I would not either But! this Kid would changed the Dolphins offensively meaning teams would have to study how to defend him. This would have to benefit 4 year questionable offensive players/QB performance?
Elliott was able to generate monster stats during the 2015 season despite being the focus of nearly every opponent due to the struggles of the Buckeyes’ PASSING GAME. Irving Myers stated once Elliot gets to the secondary he is gone!
Elliott gained legendary status in the state of Ohio with his performance down the stretch in 2014, recording back-to-back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances in the Big Ten Championship Game vs. Wisconsin (220 yards), Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama (230) and National Championship game vs. Oregon (246). He earned offensive MVP honors in the final two games and finished the 2014 season with 1,878 rushing yards, the second-most in school history, adding 18 touchdowns.
Jimmy the Value for Elliot Out Weighs all in the 1st round. I know that you can get a running back in the later rounds but how many could acheived the aboved? Miami cannot moved forward without a serious Run offense. Passed Teams just loved Miami’s 1 demensional offense pass 1,2,3 on the bench?
ESPN Commentator stated Elliot is the only player in the 1st round to complete all the checks???
I dont think Elliot will be around at 13th. He may go as early as # 4 to Dallas, 8th to Philly or 10 to Giants. With Elliot the Fins would have at least 11 rushing TD this season. I continue to say he’s not the typical Running back.
Steve, I know my take is probably the minority, and I’m sure I’ll eat crow. But, I just see him as good not great. Now in the stretch zone scheme, I think he would be at his best. Seems like a T.D. type of player. My issue is his pop…I think he might be alittle too heavy due to his leaps. I think the kid will ball, but not sure if the difference would be that great verse someone picked up latter with a better line in front of him. Now here is the problem: what if he is the next Peterson and Miami passes? As you said I don’t think he will fall…but then again if he does, does that mean he has been hyped? For this forum it would be great if he were picked…would give a lot to talk about! I was going over some Ricky college vids and too me there was a huge difference. We’ll see though. They do need one now…and Gase is a back centric O cord. It will be interesting.