NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Ezekiel Elliott to the Eagles is the new hot first round pick

The 2016 NFL Draft is getting closer and closer. The Philadelphia Eagles made a big trade this week to move up in the order. The Birds were scheduled to pick at No. 13 but now they own the Dolphins' first round selection. Mock draft season is in full gear and there's no shortage of opinion as to whom the Eagles will be selecting with the No. 8 overall pick. With that in mind, let's take a look at what the experts are saying.

FanSpeak (Custom) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

I know a lot of people are against the idea of taking a running back in the first round, but based on what I've seen Elliott is a truly special talent. BGN draft expert Ben Natan recently wrote about why Elliott is the best player in the entire draft. Some have speculated Elliott might not get out of the top four picks, especially with the Cowboys looming at No. 4. If Elliott makes it to the No. 8 spot, the Eagles should definitely think about taking him. I don't necessarily think it's the most realistic pick but it shouldn't be ruled out just because of his position. The Eagles need more offensive talent. They have a big need at running back. Ryan Mathews is too prone to injury and fumbles to be considered a reliable full-time starter. Darren Sproles is 33 and will be playing on the last year of his contract. Both Mathews and Sproles could be gone by next season, which leaves the Eagles with nothing at running back. Elliott could be Philadelphia's next great rusher for years to come.

NFL.com (Lance Zierlein) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"Elliott gives the Eagles an instant bell-cow back and replacement for DeMarco Murray. He can take pressure off of Sam Bradford and the passing attack."

NFL.com (Chad Reuter) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"Word is the Eagles are shopping Ryan Mathews, and they already traded DeMarco Murray. It would make sense for the team to look for a new bell-cow back."

Drafttek - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

N/A

Draft Breakdown (Nicholas McGee) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"Following a trade into the top 10, the Eagles are in an ideal spot to add a talent who can transform their running game after a dismal year on the ground in 2015."

CBS Sports (Rob Rang) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

"As much as the Eagles might wish it, simply trading away free-agent disappointment Byron Maxwell isn't likely to be a case of addition by subtraction. This remains a leaky secondary, and in a division with Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham, Jr, that won't work. Hargreaves is a three-time All-SEC pick with terrific agility, instincts, ball-skills and physicality as a tackler."

CBS Sports (Dane Brugler) - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

"With Kiko Alonso traded to Miami and Demeco Ryans released, the Eagles need to rebuild the linebacker depth chart and Jack would be a great place to start. If his surgically-repaired knee checks out, Jack is one of the best players in the draft."

Real Football Network (Pat Kirwan) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"The Eagles have been very active with trades, signing their own players, and attacking free agency. Elliott would be a solid piece to this offense, especially if they trade Ryan Matthews."

Sports Illustrated (Chris Burke) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"When this mock first went live, a few hours before the Eagles-Dolphins trade was confirmed, I had Elliott slotted in at 13 but said it was too low for his talent level. This is better, in terms of the 2016 draft class. The Ohio State star is a legit three-down stud. If the Eagles sign a running back ... there are three other options to be addressed: quarterback, offensive line and the secondary. Any would make sense, especially if Wentz slips a bit."

The MMQB (Robert Klemko) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

"Hargreaves fits here because Philly just unloaded Byron Maxwell to Miami (moving up from 13 to 8 as part of the deal), and Nolan Carroll is currently a free agent. Plus Hargreaves is arguably the best all-around defensive back available after Ramsey."

NJ.com (Eliot Shorr-Parks) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

"If the Eagles hadn't traded up with Miami, an offensive lineman like Jack Conklin would have been in play. Now, the pick is the Gators' cornerback. Somebody has to cover Odell Beckham and Dez Bryant twice a year."

SportsBlog (TJ Pitillo) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"With Demarco Murray gone the Eagles take the most talented running back and someone who is a natural three down back. Elliot would help relieve the pressure on Sam Bradford, and open up more passing lanes."

DraftSite - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

"Vernon Hargreaves has been here for the longest time but the Dolphins realize it's time to make something happen on offense. If you want to help Ryan Tannehill it's time to get him a consistent running attack. Jay Ajayi will help but doesn't look like the three down back or have the talent of Ezekiel Elliott and Lamar Miller is likely gone."

...

Here's a summary of the picks:

RB Ezekiel Elliott - 8
CB Vernon Hargreaves - 4
LB Myles Jack - 1

RB - 8
CB - 4
LB - 1

Offense - 8
Defense - 5

Thoughts:

Elliott plays like a BAMF. The Eagles should seriously consider him if there's there at No. 8.