NFL mock draft Week 17 edition: Bold trades set the tone
By Erik Lambert
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Ezekiel Elliot. 14. player. 10. <p>Follow the logic here. The chances of the Houston Texans finding a franchise quarterback in this draft are remote given their draft position. Sure, they can and should still try but until a legitimate opportunity comes along, they’re best served building the offensive roster around who they have. If that’s Brian Hoyer, then so be it. Even average quarterbacks can be good with enough weapons.</p> <p>One area they need to upgrade is the running game. Alfred Blue and Chris Polk, while serviceable, have averaged well under 4.0 yards per carry. As for Arian Foster, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his body is breaking down on him and the Texans can’t afford to bank their success on his health. This offense needs a new workhorse.</p> <p>That is why they make the aggressive but calculated move to go up and grab the best back in the 2016 class. Ezekiel Elliot is everything an offense could want: big, strong, tough with lots of endurance and enough versatility to stay on the field all three downs. He runs hard but with good vision and patience to find the hole. Though not a blazer, he has good acceleration and can pop big ones at any time.</p>. RB. Ohio State
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