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2016 NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Last Call

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott participates in drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott participates in drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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

 

In a defense-heavy draft class, the Browns will have prospects available in later rounds to add to the defensive side of the ball.  Here they need to add some talent to the offense and re-establish their physical reputation while protecting quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Ezekiel Elliott from Ohio State is the best offensive weapon available at the 8th pick and is a great fit for Cleveland.  His aggressive running style and grind-it-out play suits the Dawg Pound attitude and he’s used to playing on a squad which relies on him to spark an offensive with limited passing ability.

Granted, there’s significant difference between leaning on a running back in the Big Ten and doing it in the NFL, especially going up against opposing defenses from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Miami and the New York Giants.

Everyone knows the Browns need significant talent at many areas of their roster and adding Elliott helps them answer one of the more important ones.  While his rushing ability is known, his passing protection talent is underrated and his pass catching ability is a virtual unknown, but looks to be better than what was displayed in Columbus.

His jersey will sell, and he’ll be an instant fan favorite, but most importantly Elliott will help Cleveland stay in some games and maybe even win a few.

Previously:  (PHI) Carson Wentz – QB – North Dakota State

Next: 9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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