If NFL clubs could know Ezekiel Elliott would average roughly 1,300 yards per season over his first nine years as a pro, as Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson has, drafting him high in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft would be easy.
Of course, it's not that easy, and there are no crystal balls where NFL careers are concerned; especially at the running back position. Nonetheless, one NFL scout sees the former Ohio State star's pro career taking on a Peterson-like shape.
"He is the only one with all the traits. He's got a chance to be the best player in the draft. He, (Joey) Bosa, (Laremy) Tunsil. He can catch it, he can pass protect, he's got NFL size and he can run," the scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "If he stays healthy he's going to be a (Adrian) Peterson-type back."
This particular scout isn't the first from the NFL to draw the same comparison. An AFC running backs coach told College Football 24/7's Sources Tell Us much the same thing last month, and noted a similar reason: the well-rounded completeness of Elliott's game.
Peterson was chosen No. 7 overall by the Vikings in 2007, and was a star right from the start. Elliott has a chance to go that high, or even higher, on Thursday night when the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft commences (watch on NFL Network). The Dallas Cowboys hold the No. 4 overall pick of the draft, reportedly are highly impressed with Elliott as a prospect, and are considered the earliest point in the first round at which he could possibly be taken. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are expected to go in the first two picks, and the San Diego Chargers aren't at all likely to take a running back in the first round for the second year in a row. Elliott sees his worst-case draft scenario as a fall to the Miami Dolphins at No. 13.
Suffice it to say, if his career even approaches that of Peterson, he'll be looked upon in the coming years as a strong draft value no matter where he lands.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
