NFL Tickets
The last time the Cleveland Browns took a running back in the first round of the NFL draft, they became the poster children for how such a move can backfire.
They traded up one spot in 2012, moving from fourth to third overall, and took Alabama back Trent Richardson. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable pick. Sure, trading up was unwise, but Richardson was seen by many as one of the best prospects available. For the most part, fans and media were on board.
Not even two full seasons later, Richardson was gone. Cleveland traded him to the Indianapolis Colts, where he floundered until being released. He spent last year out of the league, and appears to be getting one last chance to save his career with the Baltimore Ravens this season.
So, yes, there are reasons why taking a running back high in the first round is a bad idea.
Come this Thursday, though, such a strategy won’t be. With the No. 8 pick, Cleveland should take Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.
There are many reasons why people would see this as a bad thing. Along with the aforementioned Richardson flame-out, running back is often viewed as an overvalued position. With offenses becoming more and more pass-happy every season, the need for a top-tier rusher isn’t as high as it used to be.
Despite all of this, I still think Elliott is the right pick for the Browns.
The hype for the former Buckeye back is real. Seen as the top rusher in the draft, Elliott is being compared to last season’s Rookie of the Year, Todd Gurley. Additionally, more than a few pundits are saying he’s the best back to come into the draft since Adrian Peterson.
To be fair, Richardson received similar comparisons when drafted by the Browns. However, there were red flags with him due to his knee injuries. There are no such issues with Elliott.
Additionally, Elliott is much more well-rounded. He can change the game on the ground, has the excellent hands that can make him a threat in the passing game and is strong enough to pick up blitzing linebackers in the backfield.
You could argue that, with so many holes across the entire roster, Cleveland would be wasting a pick drafting a running back in the first round. However, there are additional benefits to selecting Elliott that need to be considered.
After trading out of the No. 2 pick, it’s clear the Browns aren’t going after one of the top two available quarterbacks. This also means they plan on heading into the 2016 season with Robert Griffin III as their starting QB. Griffin, coming off a season in which he didn’t play a single down, is recovering from physical and mental damage endured during his time with the Washington Redskins. Obviously, Cleveland will need to get him as much help as possible.
As we know, a great running back can do a lot when it comes to easing pressure off a QB. Unfortunately for the Browns, this isn’t something they currently have. While Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell have both shown flashes of potential, neither has proven they can be an every down back.
Enter Elliott. If the Ohio State standout has proven anything, it’s that he can be an offense’s workhorse. Imagine how much easier Griffin’s life would be if he had a rusher of Elliott’s caliber lined up with him in the backfield.
New Browns coach Hue Jackson was once quoted as saying, “To me, running the ball is the nuts and bolts of your offense.” Whether or not you believe him is up to you. However, if Jackson still thinks this is the case, a perfect weapon should be waiting for him when it comes time for his team to make its pick.
Here’s hoping he realizes this and takes Elliott at No. 8.
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