NFL Mock Draft 2016: 5 Most Popular New York Giants First Round Picks
By Neal Lynch
5. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, Jr.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com expects Elliott to be another Todd Gurley. But, not everyone agrees…
From Rob Rang of CBS Sports:
"“Elliott isn’t the second-coming of Todd Gurley but he’s clearly the top running back in this class, showing the all-around game to play on all three downs immediately.”"
As I mentioned in my previous article about Elliott, I’m leaning towards not going running back in the first round since the Giants are already overflowing with capable personnel there. Say the Giants draft Elliott – they probably cut or try to trade Andre Williams, maybe they don’t re-sign exclusive rights free agent Orleans Darkwa, but what happens to incumbent starter Rashad Jennings? If they cut him after June 1st, they’d only take a cap hit of $562,500, but then do you split the snaps between Elliott and Shane Vereen?
From Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com:
"“Similar to the Rams last year, who drafted Todd Gurley 10th overall, running back isn’t the top need on the Giants’ roster. But it’s tough to pass on dynamic players who will impact the team from day one. And like Gurley this past season, Elliott would do just that for New York.”"
From DraftAce.com:
"“Elliott is every bit as talented as Todd Gurley, and arguably more complete due to his skills in the passing game and in pass protection.”"
From Big Blue View:
"“Elliott brings a fantastic blend of size (6-foot, 220 pounds) speed, balance, agility, hands, power, and vision, and could be the perfect “bell cow” back for the Giants’ offense. While he could stand to be better in pass protection and a bit more consistent as a receiver, his game just doesn’t have any weaknesses.”"
Great, but the Giants do have a lot of weaknesses and they’re mostly on the defensive side of the ball. D needs to be addressed early and often in the draft and in free agency. Plus, Elliott wants to play for the Cowboys. Yuck.
Next: ROCK THE OGBAH?