Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott is projected as the top running back in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft by most draft analysts. The talented Buckeyes running back is expected to be taken in the first round of the draft and already knows what team he would like to play for next season.
Elliott would like to have a star on the side of his helmet next season, as he is hoping that the Cowboys will take him in the draft. "The Dallas Cowboys (are my pick). I want to go play behind that great offensive line they have down in Dallas," Elliott said, via NFL Network.
Elliott was a force in college football, rushing for 1,821 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns in his junior year. The Buckeyes running back averaged 6.3 yards per carry his junior season and can break through tackles with his 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame. Elliott was a key reason why the Buckeyes won the college football National Championship during the 2014 season, and he is expected to make an immediate impact in the league.
Former Cowboys quarterback and Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman believes that the Cowboys should look to target a future franchise quarterback in the draft, and ESPN's Todd McShay has projected the Cowboys to take North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz with the fourth pick in the draft. Elliott is projected as the 20th pick to the New York Jets in McShay's recent mock draft, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him move up draft boards.
The Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo twice to a broken collarbone during the 2015 season, and after falling to last place in the NFC East with a 4-12 record, it seems reasonable to think that they could target a quarterback with their first pick.
In recent draft history, NFL franchises have leaned towards waiting on running backs in the draft, but after watching Rams running back Todd Gurley win the rookie of the year award this past season, it could change some minds. Elliott will be able to handle carries instantly at the next level, and he is likely garnering interest from multiple franchises in the lead up to the 2016 NFL Draft.
