Chris Ellis DE 6’5 267 Virginia Tech

Ellis made an immediate impact for the Hokies, earning Frosh All America honors in 2004, after posting 33 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and three sacks on the season. He avoided the sophomore slump a year later, posting career highs of 41/10.5/6. As a junior last season, Ellis had 38 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks on the season. Ellis closed out his career with his best season yet, finishing with 49 tackles, nine for loss, and 8.5 sacks on the season.

Ellis is a solid pass rusher, and has a lot of potential in that area at the next level. He is a good athlete, with very good quickness and shows the ability to close on the quarterback. He comes off the line quickly, and shows the lateral agility to beat the tackle and put pressure on the quarterback or disrupt running plays. Ellis plays hard on the field and although he is not the biggest guy, makes plays in run support because he keeps going.

Ellis has to get bigger and stronger to be more than a situational pass rusher in the NFL. He can put pressure on the QB and he tries against the run, but he simply cannot hold up at the point of attack against NFL lineman in run support.

Ellis can play in the NFL. Even if he cannot get stronger, he could fit as a situational pass rusher in the NFL. His ability to get after the QB and into the backfield will entice some teams to take him in the middle portion of the draft.