2016 NFL Mock Draft: February edition

8th Pick – Miami Dolphins (6-10)
Ezekiel Elliott – RB
Ohio State – Junior
6-0, 225 Pounds

With so much spending, the Dolphins seemed like a favorite for the playoffs in 2015, now the Dolphins seemed poised for a lift. I don’t want to say that the Dolphins are going to resign Lamar Miller, I just really don’t know, but don’t be surprised if Miami let him walk into free agency with the talented Ezekiel Elliott available. The Dolphins did just get Jay Ajayi in the fifth round last year, so a bruising, in-between the tackles running back is needed.

Ezekiel proved his mobility is superior to most of the other running backs in this draft (including many of the other running backs in the 2017 draft), and he seems like a grade-A running back in my opinion. He has vision to break out the edge, finds the hole very well, and seems like a logical fit for a Miami team that wants to give Ryan Tannehill some extra breathing space. Because Todd Gurley did so well with the Rams last year, I think that it only makes sense that another team give Elliott a chance.

The feeling is mutual, many draft experts think that Elliott is a top-10 selection for this draft, and he proved it during last years championship game when he carried the load for Ohio State. Ezekiel Elliott also has great power, being able to break many arm tackles, and makes many defenders miss with his deceptive speed. Elliott is very talented in pass-protection, could use some tune-up, but otherwise he is very key. His hands are needing work in the passing game, he can catch, but to be a checkdown option, just needs a little bit of work.

Player Comparison: Arian Foster – Houston Texans

Next: The Buccaneers are on the clock