Bills Select DE Ellis in Third Round of NFL Draft
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 10:29 AM EDT
in 2008 NFL Draft
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PrintWith the seventy-second overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected Virginia tech defensive end Chris Ellis.
After spending the early part of their free agency period upgrading the interior of their defensive line with the additions of tackles Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson, the Bills have added another piece to their defensive line in the form of Ellis, whose strength is as a speed rusher. Ellis immediately becomes the #4 defensive end for the Bills, effectively replacing Anthony Hargrove, an unrestricted free agent who stood no chance of being re-signed by the Bills after failing a drug test, leading to another suspension.
Ellis measures up at 6'4" and 263 pounds, and ran a 4.71-second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. That 4.71 speed will serve him well as a rookie, and he has the frame to get bigger. That likely won't happen in Buffalo, where smaller ends are preferred, but his pass rush potential had some 3-4 defensive teams looking at him. Ellis is known to have a quick burst off of the line of scrimmage, helping him to amass 22 career sacks at Virginia Tech, including 8.5 his senior season for a high-quality defense.
There are documented downsides to Ellis as well. Like Buffalo's second-round pick, WR James Hardy, Ellis has some character concerns, as he was suspended in 2006 after being arrested and charged with obstructing justice and resisting arrest. Like Hardy, he's also matured since that incident, by all accounts. There are also questions about Ellis' instincts and ability to consistently shed blockers. He is certainly not an every-down player immediately as he enters the NFL, but he won't have to be in Buffalo.
I like this pick. Ellis figures to be a solid edge rusher on third downs, and coming from Virginia Tech - a school that is known for producing top-flight special teams players - Ellis figures to help out on the kicking units as well. It's not a flashy pick, but this year isn't about making flashy picks for the Bills. It's about finding guys who can contribute immediately, and in terms of being a third-down pass rusher and special teamer with room to grow into a starter, Ellis fits the bill.
Use this post as an open thread. Buffalo's next pick is at #114 overall in the fourth round. If any trades or picks happen as they pertain to the Bills, you know that Buffalo Rumblings has you covered.
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Once again, a guy who had an issue in 2006 and has done nothing but stay clean and produce since. Like Hardy, I’ll stash his character issues in the back of my mind and give him the benefit of the doubt for now. He really solidifies our 8-man rotation along the defensive line… we’re real deep there now.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
very confused,
why didnt we go tight end? Why didnt we pick up connor? DO we have the ammo to trade back into the third?
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
Went for need?
Did Buffalo go to fill a need instead of the best on the board? Connor is a high motor guy…
Surprising
Mel didn’t tell Del Rio that he thought the Harvey pick was bad.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
missing a large chunk on the right side
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
so what are the best WR and TE available???
Well Cottam is gone. what WR and TE are left?
Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?
Just throwing this out there..
If they try and trade up now, they will have to use a pick from next year. They don’t have much left in this year’s tank to move around.
I don’t think I’d like them to do that though. Is there anyone out there one of you could see that would necessitate a trade up?
I’d like to see them make a run at Martin Rucker. But that’s probably just me.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure they have to trade up to get him
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Nor am I. But he’d look real nice catching passes over the middle for Trent. We just need weapons for our QB…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Monk Finley
I really like Marcus Monk and Jermicheal Finley. Another tall WR and a good pass catching tight end
Wood
Sorry for the double post, but..
If this option played out, think of how much bigger the receiving corps would be.
K Davis TE, Marcus Smith WR
My alternative to Finley / Monk
Finley off the board now and IMHO that’s Ok – immature, and not ready for primetime – also too light.
TE opinion
I think we have TE that currently have thier strengths…..does this tip the play call when a certian one is on the field versus the others? I think it does. But we need to add someone with some upside.
Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?
Had to do it
I was just wondering if he might still be around in round 6
Wood
Who were you wondering might still be around in round 6? Sorry… been shooting e-mails and writing Chris Ellis posts. Trying to catch back up. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Tight End
Apparently the Bills are OK with the tight ends on the roster. They had a shot at another red zone weapon in Brad Cottam and went DE. Look for the Bills to snatch Jack Ikegwuonu in the 5th. Another late round selection could possibly be Mario Urrutia, 6’6” WR out of Louisville.
Red Bryant
Another big run stuffer from the same school as Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. He’s on my Bills wish list as well.
I think the bills are done with DL
We have plenty of depth, and lots of cap space in the DL. I dont see us drafting anymore DL today. I think there is many more pressing needs.
Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?
Agree. We have 8 legitimate defensive linemen at this point (Schobel, Kelsay, Denney, Ellis, Stroud, McCargo, Johnson, Williams). Time to load up on weapons for Trent, get a linebacker and an offensive tackle. Should be interesting…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I went into this draft, hoping for offense with first 3 picks… Happy with McKelvin, Hardy and Ellis, but want more offense from here out….
To what end?
Anyone the Bills select today is unlikely to contribute significantly. I see it more as BPA at this point.
by Ron From NM on Apr 27, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Your right
to a point… A TE and interior Oline for competition and depth could help alot… Wouldn’t mind another wide out either… As for D… Of course, if the right player is there…
should be all Offense from here on out
we need to get better on offense with marginal FA additions there, so Im surprised they used a 3rd on the defense, maybe they know they can get the Offensive value when they pick next rds.
Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?
Stroud
He is the only “run stuffer” on the roster out of the people you listed Galliford. Lord help us if he gets injured.
I can give you that, but it’s still valid that with 8 defensive linemen, we won’t go DL. There are bigger fish to fry, and I don’t think Bryant is lasting much longer as it is.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Sobering up
I’m starting to sober up to the fact that the Bills don’t have as many picks as I’d really like. I would have liked to see more top 100 picks and it doesn’t look like that will happen. It reminds me of last year’s draft when by the 4th round I was saying 2 running backs and a QB? Now I ‘m saying oh where is the TE ??
FB-Auburn's Stewart
Auburn FB Carl Stewart would be a good pick-up. Watched him every week….blocked for some top-notched tailbacks at Auburn…and can also catch out of the backfield.
If we get Rucker and Schmidt/Justice in the 4th
This draft will be a thing of Beauty. We really need a TE and I’m starting to get nervous now that Finley is off the board. The Bills really exercised patience and top notch talent fell to them, hopefully the trend will continue for the 4th.
My wish list
Adarius Bowman
Red Bryant
Jamie Silva
Jack Ikegwounu
Jamey Richard
Owen Schmitt
Mario Urrutia
Trevor Scott-FA
Not in any particular
That he is. The Bills really liked him on tape though… can’t see them taking a waiver on him, though.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Already taken some guys with concerns, what another.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
It’s not the concerns… just another one of my gut feelings. I don’t think they take him. (I have a lot of gut feelings.)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Starters Buffalo can still get
The Bills can still get a starting FB and C in the 4th. I don’t see much point in picking a TE as Buffalo is unlikely to get a starter at that position. If Bryant is on the board he’d be tough to pass on at this point….
What’s wrong with taking a developmental TE who can be a red zone threat early and possibly start next year? Martin Rucker is that player…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a bit of a reach, but if it pans out, Eli could have a pretty electric deep threat…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
He has potential.
Let the Giants deal with his baggage. He’s not in the easiest situation with his recent negative media attention, and now going to a high profile team. He’ll have to buckle down pretty quick. If he can, good for him…
In the spirit of Sunday
AMEN
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Anyone else sick of seeing “Have not made the playoffs since 1999” on the ESPN ticker for the Bills? Two straight days of that brutal reminder will be enough.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:49 AM EDT reply actions
Tyvon Branch goes to the Raiders. That’s a really nice pick for them…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:52 AM EDT reply actions
Justin King
I wish the Jets would have picked him so that James Hardy could create another highlight film.
Bills
so are we thinking Rucker or K-Davis with their first 4th rounder?
Or do they shock the world and go QB?
Haha… could be anything at this point. QB would be… uh, unique.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I'mm watching a few players
Bryant
E Henderson
Rucker
Schmitt (might be too high)
K Davis
Will Franklin
K Byrton
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Franklin is an intriguing name there… he could eventually replace Reed as a killer slot option.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I know someone who would be very happy about that.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
I haven’t seen him here in a few days… he and Kurupt bailed on us this weekend. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Better Red then...
Is Red Bryant everyone’s secret hope? Even though Demario Pressley is a way cooler name to say.
Ellis is a nice player to get, but really was hoping for a TE there in the 3rd
Hopefully we get Red Bryant with our 1st 4th rounder
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
They took two DT last year did they?
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
chiefs again
adding great value to their team in this draft
Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?
Looks like I didn't miss too much
Went out for a nice Sunday afternoon drive with the family…to France. You can’t say that often.
I like the Ellis pick. I would have liked to get a TE, looks like the Bills weren’t too pumped about any of them.
One down
Bryant
E Henderson
Rucker
Schmitt (might be too high)
K Davis
K Byrton
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Let's get Red Bryant, and Martin Rucker or Kellen Davis with our picks. Then..
trade J.P. Losman to Philly for their 4th where we take …....DRUMROLL…..............Josh Johnson!!! : )
Don't laugh
I confident he at least goes before Woodson, winning me my bet with Arrow
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Does anyone need JP?
Besides maybe Minnesota? Didn’t Philly draft their heir apparent last year in the 2nd round and got McNabb all pissed?
I wouldn't trade Losman for a 4th
Edwards isn’t likely to play all 16 games so giving up Losman for a 4th seems like a bad deal. Besides, Losman isn’t throwing a Chad Johnson-esque tantrum.
3. Kory Lichtensteiger to the Broncos. The run has begun… I don’t think the Bills are going center.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Velasco may be our last hope for that
But Geronimo mentioned yesterday that the Bills are looking for a multiposition player along the OL, so they could get the most bang for their buck. The Eagles just took one of those guys just now too.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Yeah… as far as the OL goes, look for a G/T. That could even be the pick right now.
I’m feeling Gary Barnidge for this pick… yes… another gut feeling.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Im feeling like this draft is actually potentially deep,
with the way some other teams are picking right now.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
Well, 7, actually.
Four before the draft; three during. Of course, that goes all the way back to the Brady Quinn trade last year.
Still only one pick traded three times.
The Baltimore 3rd round pick, traded to Buffalo for McGahee, then traded to the Jags Stroud, and finally back to Baltimore to move up in the first. Strange…
Question,
was Marv staying on as a consultant this year? for the draft?
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
two down
Bryant
E Henderson
Schmitt (might be too high)
K Davis
K Burton
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Wow, the Browns had better win this year
Honestly, with all of the people and picks they have coughed up, the Browns had better go deep into the playoffs, because otherwise they will have squandered this whole season otherwise.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
We wait. I don’t think any of us has a clue what Buffalo is going to do, so I’m just going to wait. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Pray for Red
I hope we get him, he could be our next Pat/Ted Williams space eater.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Browns
not having any picks in the first 3 rounds = and then they go luxury with a TE? They have Winslow!
Winslow is going to be wanting a new contract. That pick is actually a smart one for them…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Dennis Dixon anyone? Would anyone be oppossed to us taking a round 5 or 6 flyer on the kid?
He has some skills and would be expected to only learn his 1st season or two here
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
As always, folks – new thread up on the front page once the pick is made.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:32 PM EDT reply actions
on the clock
Bryant
henderson
those are my guesses.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
ESPN
Loves to remind bills fans that we haven’t been to the playoffs in almost 10 years
Thanks ESPN, those lousy CT punks from near the Pats
Thats why the Bills get no love.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Is there nothing else
to say about the Bills except for missing the playoffs??
Bills fan half way around the world
According to the fans, they're having the worst draft of the AFC East...
Having the last pick of the four teams makes this pretty much obvious, though.
Taking a while to make the pick
Trade?
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
You can’t make that assessment yet. He’s been a Bill for fourteen seconds.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
This feels like a luxury pick to me
We already have 5CBs on the roster, are we planning on cutting someone?
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Ellis a very good pick
Followed VT closely-lived neae by. One of top 3 players on a great d.Team leader ,always around the ball.Makes the big play when needed most-many many game changers
Greattt...
Congratulations Buffalo, you were doing well and now you’re blowing the 2nd day of the draft. Instead of grabbing LB Dan Connor who was projected in most mock draft as a late 1st-early 2nd round pick, you chose a DE with health problems who will not start and won’t provide much more help than a 5th or 6th round DE. Plus Dan Conner would mend well with their current Linebackers, including former teammate Paul Pozluzny. So now the Bills draft another Linebacker in the 5th round that nobody has heard of, and will probably not develop into anything, or even what Dan Conner already is.
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