The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the class' best players with scouting reports. Each report will include strengths, weaknesses and background information.
Here's our report on Jonah Elliss.
Elliss' transition to the next level will be highly dependent on his ability to play off contact in the run game and as a pass rusher. While Elliss is a plus athlete with good movement, he is not sudden, twitchy or explosive. He will not become a consistent pass rusher, beating quality NFL tackles with quickness, bend and closing burst.
Rather, he must become proficient at initiating contact as his starting point, then working off that to break down the tackle's technique. Elliss showed a strong rip and an inside spin as his go-to pass rush moves. He had a speed-to-power element when he was aligned wide and had a runway to generate speed and velocity.
One main concern with Elliss' tape consistently showed his pass rush was stunned and shut down by tackles with strong hands and good strike timing; Elliss couldn't work through that to affect the pocket. He was not a natural bender and that negatively impacted his flexibility to flatten his rush path.
Elliss showed flashes as a pass rusher, but based on his 2023 tape, it would be a challenge to see a strong edge rusher in a sub front. There were snaps when he aligned as a stand-up Joker at the second level in the middle of the defense, but he may not have the short-area lateral quickness to be effective as a pass rusher in that role.
Overall, Elliss would struggle to be a successful NFL pass rusher with his lack of strength and flexibility. Still, it is possible better hand usage through coaching and development would allow him to become more of a factor to play off contact and create more avenues for him to win.
Elliss was a two-year starter at Utah and a consensus All-American in 2023 with 12 QB sacks and 16 TFL. At Utah, he played in 35 games with 18 starts.
Elliss lined up in multiple positions in Utah’s defensive fronts including wide 9 DE and in the A gap in double mug looks. His predominant position was RDE. Against Oregon, Elliss played significant snaps at LDE and also lined up as a standup Joker at the second level in the middle of the defense.
Elliss was dominated by Florida LT Austin Barber in the opening game of the 2023 season. He couldn't generate any pass rush vs. Barber throughout the game. Elliss had two sacks vs. Florida, one coming vs. the TE and the second on a stunt in which he was the looper inside.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!