3. Ezekiel Elliott is a rare, three down back
According to SportingCharts.com, only six running backs were on the field for more than 60% of their teams snaps. Only 15 backs played 50% of the snaps. Running back by committee stuck its head out of the 1970s, and infested the NFL. The days of three down backs from the 80s and 90s are all but dead. It takes a special talent to play three downs like Adrian Peterson, Emmitt Smith, and Barry Sanders.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens tender Tyler Huntley?
- Ranking 5 teams most likely to trade Baltimore Ravens for Lamar Jackson
- Will these comments impact Lamar Jackson and Baltimore Ravens talks?
- 3 Biggest Needs for Ravens in NFL Draft
- Ravens’ Super Bowl odds stagnant amidst Lamar Jackson trade rumors
There was no running back in College Football who could do more with less than Elliott. Elliott is a bona fide star that could get the homerun play every single time he gets the ball.
Ezekiel Elliott touched the ball over 600 times including 55 receptions, and he still managed to maintain over a 6.5 yard per carry average. Elliott showed his ability against even the best competition in college. He ran for 230 yards on 20 carries against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl as a sophomore. In the championship game against Oregon, he added 246 yards. Ezekiel Elliott flat out takes over games by being a threat on every play, but what about the backs on the roster?
Next: Justin Forsett Turns 31 In September