Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
Size:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 248 pounds
Arm Length: 33”
Hand Size: 10 1/2"
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-America (2023) • First Team All-Pac-12 (2023) • Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 (2022)
“Jonah Elliss is a productive edge rusher with a good first step and quick moves to be a dual-lane rusher who generates consistent pressure on passing downs.”
Strengths:
Active motor
Quick hands fighter
Consistent pressure generator
Quick first step
Concerns:
Lean frame/build
Lower-body strength
Nagging injuries
Hip flexibility/bend
Film Analysis:
Jonah Elliss plays with a strong and active motor. His hands are active and he works endlessly to get into the backfield to disrupt the timing of the play.
Against the run, he does a solid job maintaining outside leverage. He fires off the ball with adequate pad level to strike under the OL’s pads. Elliss leverages gaps well with upper-body strength to force running backs to cut up into the help of the defense and second-level defenders. Against zone/stretch run concepts, he does a good job striking and running his feet laterally to stay within range of the ball carrier.
Elliss offers a solid array of pass-rush moves to effectively defeat OTs. He is a dual-lane rusher who can set up the outside speed rush to open space for inside counters. He has quick hands to deploy double-hand swipes and club maneuvers while reducing surface area to clear the OT’s shoulder. His inside spin counter is good and effective. If he rushes too far upfield, Elliss understands he needs to locate the QB in the pocket and retrace his steps in an attempt to disrupt the play.
An area of concern for Elliss is his build/lack of muscle mass on tape. He has a leaner build which can cause issues holding up at the point of attack against tougher/stronger competition in the run game. His lower-body strength can limit his ability to anchor against the run and give up ground. His bend and hip flexibility are adequate at best. He is not going to turn sharp/tight corners and flatten to the QB often or routinely. His foot speed on inside counters can be delayed, where his upper body moves at a different pace. These reps can be stifled by more nuanced and physically gifted OTs. Elliss has dealt with some nagging undisclosed injuries over the past few seasons.
Overall, Elliss projects as a rotational 3-4 or odd front outside linebacker with starter potential. He is at his best in a two-point stance where he can optimize his first step at the snap.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: UCLA (2023), Oregon State (2023), Oregon (2023), USC (2023)
