He slipped to the third round because he has character red flags but believe me, the talent is there. If he plays to the level of that talent, he can be a Pro Bowler. That is how gifted he is.
He can hold the point of attack, take on double teams and has the strength to just shrug off blockers. Has a great club move to knock linemen out of his way.
He also has excellent quickness off the snap, can penetrate and close quickly to the quarterback. Jumps into gaps and makes plays behind the line.
He moves extremely well for a big guy. Will chase down runs on the perimeter and has the instincts to sniff out screens. That is impressive, considering his size (6-5, 345).
Has rare upper body strength and pushes linemen into the backfield. And he is nasty! Plays with a mean streak and likes to mix it up in the trenches.
This kid loves the game and is very competitive. He started out at South Carolina but was dismissed after violations of team and university policy. He also reportedly failed multiple drug tests.
But the Jets are one of the most thorough teams in the league when it comes to security checks. I am going to trust that they did their due diligence on him and know he will keep his nose clean.
He transferred to Hampton where he was a man among boys. He also dominated the competition at the “Texas vs. the Nation” all-star game.
But Ellis is raw. He needs work on his technique and needs to show more violent hands. He also plays with a narrow base and must widen his stance to take on blocks more consistently. But these are finer points and he will develop them as he gets coached up.
I love the possibilities for Ellis paired with Wilkerson. Both guys were highly productive at the collegiate level and both have superior athletic ability.
The Jets love explosive players and will get two in Wilkerson and Ellis. They are both very powerful guys and will make a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are also stout at the point of attack and can shut down the run game.
Jets fans should be very excited about these two guys. They will be the future of this defensive front and bring tremendous upside from a talent perspective.
Check out Ellis’ career numbers: 195 tackles, 7 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries. This guy was a wrecking ball and his stats are impressive even when you factor in the lower level of competition.
He rarely gives up ground in one-on-one situations and will command regular double teams. Has long arms and a strong punch to keep blockers off his frame.
Is tough, durable and will play hurt. He fits the Jets’ culture too. He is vocal on the field and will talk smack to his opponents.
I had Ellis going to the Jets in the third round in my second mock draft. If he works hard and matures, he can be a Pro Bowl player.
He is a massive specimen. Is 6-5, 345, has 35” arms, bench presses 355 pounds and squats 500 - very impressive.
There were only two legitimate 3-4 nose tackles in this draft. Phil Taylor and Ellis and by getting Ellis in the third, the Jets did another good job of snagging a quality player who fits their scheme well.
This guy will be an immovable object at the line and once he improves his technique, will be a permanent fixture in the middle of the Jets’ defense.
Written by Alan Levin