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One thing everyone who looks at the New York Giants can agree on is that they need to improve their linebackering corps. But part of that is maintaining the integrity of their defensive line. With a grand total of one proven effective defensive tackle under 32 on the roster, the Giants very well could look to add to the position in the draft.
Louisiana Tech's Justin Ellis is an under-the-radar name who's upside could land him on the Giants' radar
Pros
- Massive human being (6-foot-1, 334 pounds) with long (33 inch) arms and big hands
- Carries his weight well, and is surprisingly athletic
- Powerful player
- Wide open motor. A high effort player
Cons
- Like most massive linemen, size/weight could lead to concerns about conditioning issues going forward.
- Didn't play against the highest levels of competition, so there could be an adjustment period going into the NFL.
- Can get too upright and lose leverage.
- Needs a counter move in the pass rush.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
With Linval Joseph gone, I think so. He fits in well with the "Bigger Booties" theme from last year. He's also versatile enough that he can play 0/1-tech or play 3-tech. He isn't a plug-and-play guy, but as a Day 3 pick, his upside is tremendous as part of a rotation.
He isn't the type of player who can single-handedly take over a game, but he can help to protect the linebackers and be something of a disruptive force in the middle.
Prospect Video
Justin Ellis vs Southern Miss (2013) (via Aaron Aloysius)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - Not Ranked
Mocking The Draft - Not Ranked
CBS Sports - 156
Draft Tek - 101
Final Thoughts
A lot of people are going to look at Ellis and simply dismiss him as a mid-late round fatty, a guy you can get on the cheap and maybe play nose tackle for you, or be a run-stuffer in your defensive rotation.
However, he is a 3-technique trapped in a NT's body. He uses his long arms, natural leverage, quick first step, and power well to be a disruptive force at or behind the line of scrimmage. He actually needs to be coached up as a 2-gapping player.