Ezekiel Elliott (Photo : Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys have plenty to consider on whom they should select as fourth overall in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago. But according to the latest NFL draft rumors, the Cowboys could be looking at choosing a running back come draft night.
The Cowboys are going from defense to offense in the latest mock draft, with the team showing interests in selecting Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport tweeted earlier this week that Elliott, the top RB in this year's class, went to Dallas for a pre-draft meeting with the Cowboys.
Tomorrow morning, #tOSU RB Ezekiel Elliott flies to Dallas for a pre-draft meeting with #Cowboys. They previously worked him out in Columbus
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2016
Gil Alcaraz IV of Spin Zone reported that if Cowboys draft Elliott at No. 4, there is a chance the 20-year-old running back would "immediately" assume as Dallas' featured running, despite the recent signing of an already huge group of backs in Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar.
According to Brian Martin of Inside The Star, Elliott would be the perfect pick for the Cowboys in the first round as the OSU product could instantly take the team's running game into the "next level" and would make Dallas' offensive line "better and vice versa."
"Elliott is by far the best RB in this draft class and would immediately step in and take the Cowboys running game to the next level," Martin noted.
"He runs with speed, power, and maintains his balance while fighting for every inch he can get. He has exceptional vision, patience, and waits for the blocks to develop. Once he sees a crease he puts his foot in the ground and explodes up the field."
However, Sports Day DFW columnist Tim Cowlishaw believes there is no need for the Cowboys to after Elliott in the draft as Dallas could win even without the aid of the Buckeyes running back.
"I don't see going after Elliot when you have made the move to get Alfred Morris. You can with what Dallas has at RB. You can't win with what the team has on defense. As for Treadwell, I think he will have a decent NFL career but suspect team would like WR with better speed," Cowlishaw wrote.
Elliott rushed for 3, 961 yards in three years at Ohio State, which includes a National Championship in 2014. He also posted an average of 6.7 yards per carry and 43 touchdowns. Elliott, considered as the best passing-block at his position, believes he could bring versatility to the pro games.
"I think the thing that sets me apart is my versatility," Elliott said, reports Washington Redskins' official website.
"I'm a guy that can play three downs. You don't have to take me off the field. I value blocking more than anything. I obviously love to run the ball and I think I have great hands out of the backfield."
