Sunday, April 27, 2008

Chris Ellis DE 3rd round Buffalo Bill


by Steve

The Bills don't like Kelsay and Denney and for that matter Schobel. Who needs a Center or a tightend or another DT when you can go defensive end. Hopefully this dude grows into his 6'4 + frame.

Chris Ellis - DE | (6'4", 263, 4.71) | VIRGINIA TECH
Flags: (C: CHARACTER) Problems on and off the field(D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy

Strengths: Quick, anticipates snap counts fairly well and flashes the ability to disrupt running plays behind the line of scrimmage. Takes adequate angles to the ball, plays with a good motor and makes some plays in pursuit. Is fast enough to turn the corner, has above-average but not elite closing speed and is a relentless pass rusher. Can change directions quickly and is capable of developing effective double moves. Wraps up upon contact and is a sound open field tackler that Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. Tall enough to add bulk up and should get stronger at the point of attack.

Weaknesses: Undersized and is vulnerable to wearing down if asked to play an every-down role. Plays a little too high, doesn't have great lower body strength and is going to struggle to anchor when teams run at him. Doesn't deliver a powerful punch and can take too long to shed blocks. Relies on burst too much, doesn't do a great job of setting offensive tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside and isn't capable of regularly beating double teams. Lacks ideal awareness and doesn't always get hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback. Charged with obstructing an officer in late September 2006 and Virginia Tech suspended him for the Georgia Tech game as a result. Underwent shoulder surgery to repair torn labrum in right shoulder in 2003, slowed by shoulder injury during 2006 season, he missed 2007 spring practices after undergoing shoulder surgery and his durability is a concern.

Overall: Ellis was redshirted in 2003. In his next three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 38 games (21 starts) and registered 112 tackles (27 for losses) and 13.5 sacks. As a senior in 2007, he started all 14 games and posted 53 tackles (nine for losses), 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception (which he returned five yards for a touchdown) and five pass breakups. Ellis sat out 2007 spring drills after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He had the same surgery in October of his redshirt freshman year ('03). He also suffered a right shoulder sprain in 2006 but played through the injury. In 2006, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. Ellis' injury history and problems anchoring against the run make him a fringe first day pick but he's got the frame to add some weight and get stronger at the point of attack so there's a lot to like about his upside in a one-gap scheme. In addition, he has the burst and top-end speed to make an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher.


* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

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