April 28--Jarrett Payton knows a little something about running backs.
He was one, at the University of Miami and in the pros. And he was sired by perhaps the greatest of all time.
Payton has heard that scouts are comparing Ezekiel Elliott to Adrian Peterson. Some see that as hyperbole, noting that Peterson is the greatest back of his generation.
Payton doesn't want to gush too much about Elliott, who had five 200-yard rushing games at Ohio State, but he calls him his "favorite player in the draft."
"He's the most complete running back we've seen in a long time," Payton said. "He can do everything."
Peterson is one of the best ever with the ball in his hands. But he catches about two passes a game and isn't known for pass protection.
Payton, a sports reporter for WGN-9, knows the Bears need defensive help. But if Elliott is available at No. 11, Payton said, "You can't pass him up. (General manager) Ryan Pace said he's looking for athletes, and he is the best athlete available."
Payton added: "I wonder what my dad would say about him. I think he would smile."
It takes a village
It's Tuesday afternoon, and things seem unsettled for Elliott. His father, Stacy, put out word of a 4 p.m. news conference at the Palmer House Hilton. The front desk sends a visitor to a room on the 18th floor, where two formally dressed men stand guard.
A woman walks by, joking, "I'm not in trouble, am I?"
One of the security guards informs Stacy that a Tribune writer is outside. Stacy apologizes and says Ezekiel's agent does not want him to do any more media. News conference canceled.
Elliott actually has co-agents, plus a publicist from a firm called Fifth Down Enterprises. There will be extensive marketing and merchandising opportunities. The site ShopZeke.com will hawk "EZE" trademarked items. Stacy wants his son to save his NFL paychecks and live off his endorsement money.
The agents are Rocky Arceneaux, who presented client Marshall Faulk at his 2011 Hall of Fame induction, and Frank Salzano, a contract specialist who handled deals on behalf of Prince and Michael Jackson. Hey, it takes a village.
Arceneaux tells the writer he can interview Elliott, but no one can find him.
Finally Elliott emerges, using his 4.47 speed to hustle through the lobby. He gets flagged down but doesn't stop.
"Sorry," he says, seconds before entering a taxi, "no media."
Hours earlier Elliott was on Dan Patrick's show, and the host asked him which team is in love with him.
"I think the Chicago Bears," Elliott said.
The resulting headline on NFL.com -- "Ezekiel Elliott: I think the Chicago Bears are in love with me" -- came off as self-centered.
Contrast that with what Ohio State coach Urban Meyer told the Tribune hours earlier: "He's one of the most selfless players I've ever been around. He cut his teeth on the kickoff and punt teams. ... I don't pretend to know the NFL game, but I know football. He has the right mindset and the right skill set."
'He's ready'
The mock drafts have the 6-foot, 225-pound Elliott going as high as fourth (Cowboys) and as low as 13th (Dolphins).
