Kenrick Ellis

School: Hampton

Height: 6’5

Weight: 346

A tall, thickly put together defensive tackle with a strong-looking lower half and a long set of arms. Carries his weight very well for his size. Is a gifted athlete for his dimensions. Possesses an explosive first step, does a nice job keeping his pad level down through contact when trying to knife his way up the field and closes well away from his frame. Lacks ideal awareness off the snap and is a bit inconsistent getting off the ball on time. However, when he does he has the flexibility to gain leverage on contact, uses his length well to keep himself clean and exhibits good range in pursuit. Is a developing pass rusher, displays natural lateral quickness for his size and has some violence with his long arms when trying to disengage thought contact. At times get too overextended and will pop upright, causing him to lose his balance. But the natural skill set and length is there for him to counter laterally, keep himself clean and make his way in the backfield. Just needs some time.

Is a strong anchor player inside. When he sits into his stance and keeps his head up he’s a tough guy to move off the football. Uses his length well to fight his way through contact, closes quickly on ball off his frame and displays a good motor in pursuit. However, has a tendency to drop his head down and fails to see the football at times vs. the double. Looks content to be blocked at times vs. any kind of additional attention and will wait until the ball carrier breaks into the second level to begin working in pursuit. However, I will give him credit because for a big man he will chase the ball carrier on all areas of the field and does have pretty good range.

Was kicked off the South Carolina football team in 2008 for violating university policies. Was suspended for the first three games of the 2008 season prior to his dismissal from the team for an undisclosed violation of team rules. According to sources Ellis had failed multiple drug tests during his time at South Carolina.

Impression: A gifted physical athlete with an impressive get-off for a guy his size. Is powerful, can anchor as a nose and is athletic enough to get looks as a five-technique as well. Has some raw spots to his game, but is a character corner guy. Also, has had some weight issues and seems like a mid-round boom or bust type prospect.

Source : National Football Post