Pick Your Prospect: Ezekiel Elliott vs. Derrick Henry

theScore's Pick Your Prospect series takes an in-depth, head-to-head look at some of the top players leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft.

Positions
QB - Goff vs. Wentz
RB - Elliott vs. Henry
WR - Treadwell vs. Coleman vs. Doctson
DL - Bosa vs. Lawson

Elliott vs. Henry

Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry have been the consensus top two running backs throughout the pre-draft process, and that won't change at any point over the final two weeks.

Both are unique talents who have the ability to emerge as top-tier running backs early in their respective NFL careers.

Here's a look at how the soon-to-be fantasy football studs compare head to head:

Speed/Explosiveness

Elliott won't be the league's fastest running back, but that's never been a deciding factor in a player's success at the next level. His explosiveness allows him to burst through rushing lanes as they open, and he has more than enough speed to both get to the edge and pull away from defenders in the open field.

Henry's combination of speed and explosiveness is a step behind Elliott's. As is the case with so many areas of his game, though, his ability is still extremely impressive when considering his size. After checking in at 6-foot-3, 247 pounds, Henry turned heads with a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the combine in February. There's little doubt he can finish off game-breaking runs when he has the opportunity to get up to full speed.

Advantage: Elliott

Vision

Having a feel for running lanes and making the correct cuts, either within or outside the structure of a given play, is arguably the most important ability for any running back. Elliott is exceptional in that respect. He demonstrates patience in allowing his blocks to develop, and can consistently find a cutback lane when necessary. Elliott will be a fit for any offensive scheme.

Henry also flashes some ability to make his reads as a ball carrier. While it would be unfair to overlook the fact that Elliott's dominance came in tandem with some strong line play, the number of gaping rush lanes Henry benefited from is notable looking ahead. There are few, if any, teams in the NFL that can give him similarly dominant blocking to work with, so finding the right fit will be important.

Advantage: Elliott

Quickness

Working as the centerpiece of a dynamic Ohio State offense, Elliott often had the benefit of taking the ball and making plays in space. His suddenness, balance, and lateral agility were all made apparent in that area, as well as in navigating the close quarters around the line of scrimmage. Elliott can still be productive when the running lanes aren't created for him, which is just one of several rare traits that make him such a highly touted talent.

Henry doesn't offer much in terms of lateral agility, which somewhat limits his potential for making defenders miss at or behind the line of scrimmage. Similar to the gray area that is his vision, it remains to be seen whether he can make plays for himself when his offensive line isn't overwhelming the opposition at the point of attack.

Advantage: Elliott

Physicality

At 6-feet, 225 pounds, Elliot has ideal size for the running back position. Not only can he evade tackles in his efforts to pick up yards at all levels of the field, but he's also capable of simply running through defenders. The fact he consistently falls forward at the end of plays should tell teams all they need to know about his mindset with the ball.

As impressive as that may be, as it rounds out a complete skill set, his Alabama counterpart still gets the edge in the physicality department. With imposing size and a powerful running style to match, Henry is a nightmare for defenders to bring down one on one. Landing in a system that emphasizes the downhill running game would allow him to make the most of this ability.

Advantage: Henry

Pass Blocking/Receiving

Running backs making the jump to the NFL don't often have the skill set necessary to stay on the field for all three downs. Elliott is the rare exception. As a capable receiver out of the backfield, and easily the top pass-blocker in this class, it should come as a surprise to no one if Elliott is a featured back from Day 1.

Henry could stand to improve his positioning in pass protection, a transition that has potential to be helped along as a result of his strength and clear willingness to block. Despite his athleticism, though, he was never able to show much as a pass-catcher. Teams would be best suited deploying Henry in a two-down role early in his career.

Advantage: Elliott

Overall Comparison

The stronger back in nearly all areas of the game, and one of the most complete prospects in recent memory, Elliott is projected by many to come off the board within the top 10 picks.

Henry, on the other hand, is likely in line to be selected either late in the opening round, or at some point early on in Day 2.

Keep in mind that draft position isn't always indicative of success in the NFL. Will Henry, who earned the Heisman Trophy in his final season at Alabama, parlay his ridiculous college production into a decorated pro career?