NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Sedrick Ellis, DT
by Sam Monson
21/2/2008
 
The big men on the D-line have begun to get paid in the NFL. The league has begun to recognise the value of a guy inside who can not only stop the run, but also collapse the pocket and wreak havoc in the passing game. Guys like Kevin Williams have been given big-money deals, and the Titans' Albert Haynesworth was one of the league's best players on D this year.
 
So with that in mind, the Diner's looking at one of the top two Defensive Tackles in this draft, and both could be top 5 picks come April: USC's Sedrick Ellis.
 
Coming out of Chino High School, Ellis was a decorated recruit, and has only built on his reputation at USC. As a senior, he was a unanimous All-American, and won the Morris trophy for the second consecutive season. The Morris trophy is given to the best defensive lineman in the Pac-10 as voted by the offensive linemen. USC centre, Ryan Kalil, who battled vs. Ellis in practices for three years couldn't say enough about his former teammate, "He's an unbelievable football player. He made me so much better because I had to block him every day. He's so strong, so man-strong. He's just a good player."
 
What we like about Ellis
 
What's not to like? Ellis has tremendous explosion off the ball, and near-perfect hand placement, which made him close to unblockable over the senior bowl week. A similar performance by Amobi Okoye last season shot him up in the draft and put him inside the top dozen picks. Ellis was better. He has great burst, and can make plays on the move, but the most important thing is he plays with great leverage, routinely getting under blockers and winning his battle on the line. Scouts will also love his versatility. Whilst he seems ideally suited to the 3-technique, penetrating Defensive Tackle, USC's Pete Carroll actually thinks he's a better Nose Tackle.
 
Question marks about Ellis
 
The only question mark over Ellis is his size. At around 310lbs, scouts feel he has already maxed out his frame, and that might not be enough to play Nose Tackle in the NFL. Still, it remains perfect size for a penetrating under tackle.
 
Highlight of his College Career
 
Ellis became only the second player in USC history to win the Morris trophy twice, and as a senior became only the 5th USC defender to be named Pac-10 player of the year. Ellis also notched three sacks in a game during his career, something he views as his proudest moment.
 
Other Snippets

• His performance at the Senior Bowl caused Mike Mayock to move him into the top 5 players overall, and above fellow DT Glen Dorsey.

• Ellis used to be a great basketball player before he became a football star, and he's retained a lot of his athleticism despite his size.

• Ellis has a history of playing and playing well through pain, something that is sure to endear him to NFL personnel.

• Ellis could be closely compared to a young Warren Sapp, or La'Roi Glover. He seems like the perfect quick 1-gap DT.

• Potential good fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons.

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