The Sunday Spotlight: Ezekiel Elliot

As the 2016 NFL draft draws nearer, we at The FreeLancers will break down the top NFL prospects around the country. Be sure to check back every Sunday to see which future star will be under our Spotlight. This week the Spotlight shines on...

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-1, 225 lbs, Junior

Pros:

Build: Weighing in at 225 lbs, Elliot has the size and strength needed to sustain a long career in the NFL. He's an exceptional pass blocker who doesn't mind standing up blitzing linebackers. He runs with a reckless abandon. His rare combination of strength and balance allows him to take tacklers for a ride after the point of contact. Ends every run on his terms, seldom running out of bounds.

Vision: His ability to read blockers inside and out may be his most prominent skill. He has great quickness that allows him to show patience and read his blocks on inside runs. Shows the ability to bounce outside when linebackers load the box. Possesses incredible lateral quickness in and out of cuts and picks up blitzers well. 

Pass Catching: A more than capable pass catcher. Shifty and elusive enough to lose defenders in the open field. Solid pair of hands and can adjust to throws out of the backfield. Solid route runner and displays the potential to line up in the slot if needed.

Cons:

Workload: Elliot accumulated over 600 touches throughout his final two years as a Ohio State starter. With this workload, accompanied by his down-hill running style, Elliot's ability to continuously play at this pace will be hard to imagine. He projects as a every down back, but teams will have to take into account the workload he garnered over the past two seasons. 

Maturity: After the Michigan St. loss, Elliot took to the media to voice his displeasure about the number of touches he had during the game. This kind of immaturity will not fly in the NFL. He also is known for his less-than-trendy uniform violations. Also was cited for driving without a license. Teams will take a look at these things. 

Decision-making: Elliott will need to understand when it is the right time to lower his shoulder or head out of bounds. Although it my be a trait coaches desire, to preserve his body, he will have to learn how to end runs the smart way. Too many times, Elliot will too often take the brutal hit trying to get extra yardage when it is not needed. A nit-pick, but running backs at the next level know all too well about how important it is to preserve their bodies. 

Pro Comparison:

Carolina's Jonathan Stewart may be the best comparison to Ezekiel Elliot. Stewart, a highly underrated back, plays with the same down hill mentality Elliot played with in Ohio State. Both have big statures that help play with the aggressiveness needed in the NFL. Elliot projects to be a one cut back with the ability to catch out of the back field, something Stewart has made a living doing for years when healthy. Le'Veon Bell is also a close comparison, but Elliot is not that well established as a pass catcher.