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2016 NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Surprise at Number Nine

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates a 2 yard touchdown with offensive lineman Chase Farris (57) during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates a 2 yard touchdown with offensive lineman Chase Farris (57) during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

54. . RB. Ohio State. Ezekiel Elliott. 8. player

There have been some who speculate Ezekiel Elliott might fall to the Dolphins at 13th, but I just can’t see the Eagles going a different direction here.

Running backs have fallen off from their famed days of Emmitt Smith, Thurman Thomas, and others, but they still hold value to teams without elite passing attacks.

With an injury prone quarterback in Sam Bradford and no true number one receiver in the franchise, the need for a stout running attack is critical for the Eagles.  They thought they got one with the duo of DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, but that strategy busted and now the team has shipped Murray away and appears ready to do the same with Mathews.

Elliott is a hard-nosed runner who can block and catch passes out of the backfield.  He carried the Buckeyes to the Fiesta Bowl in 2015, and should carry the Eagles to relevance in the NFC East.

 

Previously:  Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State

Next: 9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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