By Nolan Nawrocki
Jan. 24, 2008

USC DT Sedrick Ellis

DT Sedrick Ellis
USC senior
Ht: 6-0 7/8; Wt: 308; 40-time: 4.95 (est.)
Arms: 32½ in.; Hands: 8 3/8 in.

Upside: A mountain of mass who’s built like a tank. Has excellent play strength and is difficult to move and keep blocked. Shows the ability to dominate vs. the run and pass. Is naturally strong and powerful and does an excellent job using his hands to rip off blocks. Can be very disruptive from the interior and shows a variety of pass-rush moves. Great, natural knee bend and leverage. Shows the core strength to man two-gaps and split the double-team. Reads and reacts and gets to the ball fast. Highly intense and aggressive working down the line of scrimmage. Very instinctive — quick to diagnose and locate the ball and can gain an advantage at the snap. Great body control and balance. Has strong hands and shows the ability to control blockers. Well-respected, team leader.

Downside: Lacks great height. Will give up his body at times and does not always play square. Weight has fluctuated in the past. Tries to dance too much vs. the double-team and does not have great change of direction. Can be overaggressive shooting gaps and take himself out of plays. Has been dinged up and missed some time to injuries.

The way we see it: Very strong, stout and explosive and could penetrate or occupy blockers. Ability to fit in a 4-3 defense as an upfield penetrator or as a nose tackle in 3-4 front will make him fit every defense and push up his value. Should make an instant impact and contribute from Day One. A top-10 pick.

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