Oakland Raiders: Top 10 draft running backs

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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State

Despite the apparent depth this year’s class has at the running back position, no running back on this list will dethrone former Ohio State back Ezekiel Elliot as the top running back prospect in the 2016 NFL draft. Though some of the other guys could fluctuate up and down this list over the next few weeks, Elliot will surely stay put.

Elliot projects as a top-tier, three-down running back with no need to play in a tandem role at the next level, as he pairs his dominant rushing attack with an elite ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and serve as the extra offensive lineman in pass protection. At 6’0”, 225 pounds, Elliot has bell-cow intangibles to match his above-average ability to effectively carry the ball 25-30 times a game. Like Dixon, Elliot finishes runs with power regardless if he is near the sideline.

At Ohio State, earned over 3,600 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in his final two years with the Buckeyes.

Though it’s tough to compare Elliot to Gurley given Gurley’s performance with the Rams in 2015, Elliot is capable of having a similar impact in his rookie year if he is brought on to a team that is willing to hand him the keys to the car and watch him go.

All stats accumulated via CFBStats.com.

Austin Gayle is a Staff Writer at JustBlogBaby.com. Follow him on Twitter @austingayle53, or contact him directly via email at austingayle53@yahoo.com.

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