FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) – Rex Ryan added another big body to his rebuilt defensive line.
The New York Jets selected talented but troubled nose tackle Kenrick Ellis from Hampton in the third round Friday night, a day after taking Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson with the 30th overall pick.
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound Ellis played one season at South Carolina before being dismissed in 2008 for repeated violations of team and university policy. He transferred to Hampton and played three seasons for the Pirates as a run-stuffing nose tackle.
Ellis also sat out the first game of last season after being arrested for assault in the spring.
The Jets apparently were comfortable enough with Ellis’ off-field issues to overlook them. He could help fill the void left by Kris Jenkins, who was released after the season following serious knee injuries in consecutive seasons. Sione Pouha has played well in Jenkins’ absence, but is 32.
The Jets didn’t have a pick in the second round after they traded it last year to acquire cornerback Antonio Cromartie from San Diego.
Ellis shows explosive upper-body strength, and routinely takes on multiple blockers, freeing up defensive ends – much the same way Jenkins did when healthy. He was extremely effective against the run, getting into the backfield routinely.
Ellis joins Wilkerson as players expected to make immediate impacts on Ryan’s defense. Wilkerson had 9 1/2 sacks last year for Temple, and Ryan said he wants him to play defensive end and defensive tackle.
Add A Comment