As 49ers.com runs down the list of top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, we continue our "Meet the Prospect" series with Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.The Basics
Elliott might be the most fascinating player in this year's draft class. ESPN's Todd McShay has Elliott ranked as
his No. 5 overall player. Although other draft experts have him ranked a little lower, you won't find another running back listed ahead of the former Buckeye. That said, there is no consensus on where Elliott will land in the draft. Expert predictions are all over the map, from the Dallas Cowboys choosing the running back at No. 4, all the way to the Indianapolis Colts selecting Elliott with the eighteenth overall pick.
As a junior in 2015, Elliott ran for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns with heralded power and speed. The ball-carrier might prove to be too special of a talent for team's to pass on during the draft, regardless if running back is a position of need or not.
Measurables
Height: 6-0
Weight: 225
Arm length: 31 1/4 inches
Hand Size: 10 1/4 inchesNFL.com Pro Comparison
Edgerrin James, a former four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro running back with the Indianapolis Colts.Best College Game
Elliott posted five career 200-yard games during his three seasons at Ohio State, but his most impressive stretch came in 2014 during the Buckeyes national championship run. Elliott ran for 220 yards against Wisconsin in the final game of the regular season, 230 yards against Alabama in the College Football Playoffs semifinals and 246 yards against Oregon in the title game. Oh by the way, he totaled eight touchdowns in those three games, four of which came against the Ducks.Combine Statistics
40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 118 inchesMock Draft Connections
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah – No. 8 overall pick (Philadelphia Eagles)
ESPN's Todd McShay – No. 13 overall (Miami Dolphins)
NFL Media's Bucky Brooks – No. 13 overall pick (Dolphins)What the Media is Saying…
"Elliott is extremely well-rounded as a runner with ideal size for the position along with coordinated footwork that is always in sync with his eyes. He runs with natural pad level and fantastic forward lean, using his balance, leg drive and relentless fight to move the chains and pick up every inch he can." – CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler
"Elliott helped his draft stock in Indy more than any other player who entered the combine with a first-round grade on my board. After turning in an elite 40-yard dash time and looking natural in on-field drills, I'd be surprised if Elliott fell outside the top 10. He has the combination of patience, vision and suddenness to excel as an interior runner in the NFL. A true three-down back, Elliott keeps defenders off-balance with smooth change-of-direction skills." – McShayFun Fact
Elliott won four Missouri state championships in track and field as a sprinter and hurdler.Must-see Video
ESPN created an E60 feature about Elliott that serves as a fantastic way to get to know the top prospect.Social Spotlight
