Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott: Bears Are In Love With Me

(CBS) Holding the 11th pick in the NFL Draft that gets underway Thursday, the Bears haven't been shy about displaying their interest in Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Asked in an interview on the Dan Patrick Show what team has "truly fallen in love" with him, Elliott was firm with his response.

"The Chicago Bears," Elliott said. "I think they are."

The Bears have a strong link to Elliott, as current running backs coach Stan Drayton coached Elliott at Ohio State.

Whether the Bears will take Elliott -- or will even have the chance to -- depends on several factors. Chicago has a bigger need for a defensive playmaker than a running back, so if an elite talent on that side of the ball falls to No. 11, the Bears would be wise to take him.

In recent years, teams have also been hesitant to draft running backs high. Elliott believes he's an exception and is a top-1o talent.

"I take pride in being a jack of all trades," Elliott told the Dan Patrick Show. "I don't think as a player I have a weakness on the field. I've done a great job of becoming good at everything, so I think that's what separates me. I'm a great pass catcher. I'm excellent in pass protection, which is the most important thing. You can't play, you can't get on the field if you don't protect that franchise quarterback. I'm a great inside and outside runner."

Elliott also believed the Dolphins -- who hold the 13th pick -- love him as a prospect.