The Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants all have one thing in common: they don't have a running back. Sure, we could say Darren McFadden is the long-term answer in Dallas (of course not), Matt Jones will be the lead back all season, Ryan Mathews will be a long-term option for the Eagles (soon to be traded) and the Giants will find a bell cow back on their roster or free agency (doubtful).
Now of course all of these teams have other urgent needs, however the value of having a pace-setting running back cannot be quantified. NFL owners and general managers de-value the position just because injuries occur more frequently, but having a franchise running back could alter the course of a team.
Imagine if Marshawn Lynch had produced for the Buffalo Bills like he did in Seattle, the NFL would be completely upside down. Each team doesn't have an answer at running back, and the NFC East is about one thing, offense. There is no dominant defense in this division, but there are a ton of playmakers.
Between Odell Beckham, Dez Bryant and DeSean Jackson, the division is built for offensive game-changers. This is why Elliott should land here. The Cowboys will pick first, and of course are the team is assumed to invest such an early pick in Elliott. But if they don't, the Eagles at eight or the Giants at 10 will.
The Redskins will pick 21st and could still be in the race for Elliott if teams decide the first round is not for running backs. The Giants could finally have a balanced offense with Elliott who could make plays all over the field. The Cowboys would have a quality young running back for years to come, and considering the offensive line they have, he would be in the best position to succeed.
The Redskins turn what can be at times a rigid passing offense into a dynamic juggernaut, and the Eagles could find the best replacement for both DeMarco Murray and Mathews. All of these teams have significant needs that overpower the notion of taking a running back in the first round.
The Giants need to rebuild their offensive line, the Eagles need to add some top-quality linebackers and cornerbacks, the Redskins will need to add solid defensive linemen, and the Cowboys need pass rushers. The tone of this division will likely be set by what the Cowboys decide to do with the fourth overall pick.
They might look to trade it with the San Francisco 49ers to move just high enough where they can get some extra picks and take Elliott before any of their NFC East foes have a chance. The 49ers would also get to choose if they want a franchise quarterback or linebacker and that might be too valuable an offer to pass up.
