Ezekiel Elliott is attempting to buck a trend Todd Gurley shirked slightly.
Running backs have lost significant value in the NFL, a league predicated on quarterback play and much more interested in what players can do in the passing game than on the ground.
The then-St. Louis Rams selected Gurley 10th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, even though he was not 100 percent off reconstructive knee surgery. Gurley became the first running back selected in the draft's opening round since the Cleveland Browns picked Trent Richardson No. 3 overall in 2012. That worked out poorly.
Still, Gurley exploded last season once he fully recovered from his knee surgery and earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors when he ran for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 13 games. Many believe Elliott is prime for a similar rookie year wherever he lands, as he is the most complete back in this year's draft class.
It is a pretty clear Elliott will be the first running back picked later this month in Chicago, but is he good enough to make it into the top-10 like Gurley?
"When you find a special talent at that position, that guy who can run the ball, who can pass-protect, who can catch the ball out of the backfield, that's a unique weapon," Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman said last month.
Elliott can do all of those things, which does not make it surprising that the Eagles have shown him the most interest.
What teams need a running back this year? Will any pull the trigger on Elliott within the opening 10 selections? Just how much do teams think the running back position has devalued? Let's examine the five best potential landing spots for the 6-foot, 225-pounder and 2015 Silver Football winner.
New York Jets
Where They're Picking: First Round (20th overall)
Breakdown: The Jets signed longtime Chicago Bear Matt Forte last month to help fill the void left by free agent departure Chris Ivory. Forte is 30, however, and served as one of the main focal points in Chicago's offense for eight seasons. Elliott would fit right in with his physical running style to compliment a defense known for doing the same thing on the other side of the ball, but might not be on the board that late in the first round. Jets head coach Todd Bowles said he recently he doesn't worry about Forte's age, but the franchise has to be thinking about its future at running back this draft. Elliott could be the move.
Houston Texans
Where They're Picking: First Round (22nd overall)
Breakdown: Houston waded its way through yet another season with the oft-injured Arian Foster, whom they cut in March. Houston finished 15th in rushing yards last season, but its seven touchdowns on the ground was fourth-worst in the league. Elliott could enter camp and make an impact right away alongside free agent quarterback signee Brock Osweiler. Depending on how much faith the Texans have in Alfred Blue, Lamar Miller and others, they could trade up to take Elliott as he probably won't be available at No. 22. Make no mistake, Houston must address its running back situation in the draft.
Dallas Cowboys
Where They're Picking: First Round (fourth overall)
Elliott's physical style can help any team's rushing attack.
Breakdown: The chances the Cowboys look for their quarterback of the future in the 2016 NFL Draft are high, with an aging Tony Romo unable to stay healthy in recent years. His injuries led to just one winning season in the last six years in Big D. However, Jerry Jones loves power backs, and the year Dallas won a playoff game (2014) Demarco Murray led the NFL in rushing and took home AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. Elliott's versatility rivals Murray's, so Jones could see his future at the position in the former Ohio State star. Elliott also wants to play in a big market, so Dallas could be a perfect fit. But is Dallas willing to pull the trigger on a running back with a top-5 selection?
Philadelphia Eagles
Where They're Picking: First Round (eighth overall)
Breakdown: Elliott said the Eagles have shown the most interest in him in the pre-draft process, and you see above how Roseman does not believe in the devalue of the position. Philadelphia taking Elliott at No. 8 is a popular mock draft move by analysts, especially with Demarco Murray on to Tennessee after suffering through a frustrating season with Chip Kelly. Kelly is now the head coach in San Francisco, fired and replaced by Doug Pederson in the City of Brotherly Love. Darron Sproles and Ryan Mathews give Pederson options at running back, but Elliott is younger and can play on all three downs to fill a need after Murray's exit.
New York Giants
Where They're Picking: First Round (10th overall)
Breakdown: Giants running backs only scored five rushing touchdowns in 2015, tied for second-worst in the league. Rashad Jennings led the way with a meager 863 yards, so the franchise needs to address a position of need in the draft. Elliott would fit in well as a pass catcher and protector for Eli Manning, who holds out hope Victor Cruz can return from injury on the outside opposite star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Drafting Elliott would add another weapon for an offense that needs them.
Honorable Mention: Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins
