Elliss to Inside Linebacker: Broncos' Versatile Move

0:00On April 6th, Bronkel's head coach Sean Payton dropped news last week that Rookie Jonah Ellis will get some reps at Inside Linebacker this summer. The 23-year-old third-round pick out of Utah has been playing edge so far, but Payton sees the skill set to make the switch work. Ellis' former college coach, Kyle Wittingham, backs it up strong, saying the kid has the speed, physicality, and block-destroying power to thrive. Inside, Wittingham knows linebackers inside out. He played the position himself back in the day after starring at BYU and even signing with the Broncos in. 1982, fans and players are buzzing, especially with Ellis coming from deep NFL roots. His dad Luther was a pro-bowl defensive lineman who played for the Lions and Broncos, and three brothers have made leaks too. Christian and Caden, killing it as Inside Linebackers for the Patriots' in Saints. Payton points the guys like Fred Warner, who flipped from edge roles to start him inside, and Denver's got depth at Rush Linebacker with Nick Bonito, Jonathan Cooper, and others stepping up.

1:06They just released Ray Greenlaw, so Ellis could fill that thumb against the run void. Bottom line, whether it's full-time or just extra snaps, Ellis' versatility might unlock serious pressure from the A-gaps and boost this defense big. Time.