Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have holes all over the defense that need to be addressed in the draft later this month. Despite the massive contracts they dished out to Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins, the Giants still need help along the defensive line, at safety and at linebacker.
Yet, when they go on the clock with the 10th overall pick, the most intriguing and enticing prospect might be a running back. Ezekiel Elliott is far and away the best running back in this class and would add a different, much-needed dynamic to the Giants' offense.
If the Giants do scoop up Elliott, he thinks he can take them to a Super Bowl fairly quickly.
"That would definitely be a great spot for me. I could see it now, you know," Elliott said on FOX Sports South's "The Panel" Friday. "Eli, Odell and me -- that's a three-headed monster right there. I think we'd give everyone a run for their money. I think we could go win a Super Bowl pretty early."
Elliott would give Eli Manning a running back to lean on, which is something he didn't have last season. That was evident given the fact that the Giants ranked 18th in the league in rushing. The former Ohio State star has all of the abilities scouts look for in a back, too.
He can run between the tackles, bounce it outside, pass block and catch the ball out of the backfield. Had he been in last year's draft class, Elliott would have been a close second behind Todd Gurley as the best tailback.
There are, however, questions about whether Elliott will even be there when the Giants go on the clock. Besides the Giants, these other teams are great fits to take the man they call Zeke.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys signed Alfred Morris recently, providing some insurance for the oft-injured Darren McFadden. He figures to be the starter when the season begins, but Elliott would undoubtedly be an upgrade over both veterans. Behind Dallas' offensive line, Zeke would immediately become one of the best backs in the league, much like Gurley was last season. The only question is whether or not spending the No. 4 overall pick on a running back is a worthwhile investment. It's a decision the Cowboys will certainly face on draft night.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles pulled the trigger on a shocking move just a few weeks ago, sending Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso to the Dolphins, effectively moving up from No. 13 to No. 8 in the first round. More importantly, Philadelphia sent DeMarco Murray to the Titans in another surprising move. Both trades open the door for the Eagles to take a running back early, which could wind up being Elliott. Philly's offensive line isn't as dominant as Dallas', but Ryan Mathews had plenty of success behind it when healthy a year ago.
Miami Dolphins
The team on the other end of the Eagles' blockbuster trade was Miami as they picked up two starters in exchange for dropping five spots in the draft. The move may have pushed the Dolphins out of Elliott's range, but if he slips to 13, Miami would be hard-pressed not to take him. They've struck out on just about every free agent running back, including Lamar Miller and C.J. Anderson. Jay Ajayi is slated to be the starter as of now, but his inexperience and durability raise serious questions at running back.
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