Ellis strengthens Raiders’ pass rush and run defense

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Tuesday, June 16, 2009  |  Comments( 7 )

Oakland Raiders
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With defensive end Derrick Burgess rumored to be on his way out of Oakland, the Raiders prepared for his departure by signing 11-year NFL veteran Greg Ellis -- whose pass-rushing skills will help mentor a young group of defensive linemen in the trenches; he should also boost a run defense that struggled mightily a year ago.

While the Raiders’ most glaring need remains improving a dismal run defense, upgrading the team’s pass-rushing unit was also a priority. Oakland addressed both of these voids after signing Ellis to a three-year contract. Although his explosiveness isn’t what it used to be, Ellis remains a viable threat off the edge. He compiled eight sacks a year ago with the Dallas Cowboys and has totaled at least that many in all but four of his pro seasons.

In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Ellis is an adequate run-stopper. He has extensive experience at defensive end and should help improve the Raiders’ 31st-ranked run 'D' from a year ago. Oakland allowed nearly 160 yards per game on the ground and will need to reduce that number in order to experience any success on the defensive side of the ball in 2009.

The Cowboys’ recent decision to part ways with Ellis had more to do with their young talent on the horizon, not necessarily a big decline in Ellis’ abilities. Dallas has the reigning NFL sack leader in DeMarcus Ware and the emergence of third-year linebacker Anthony Spencer made Ellis dispensable.

Prior to his release, Ellis had spent his entire professional career with the Cowboys. He was the 2007 Comeback Player of the Year and was voted to his first Pro Bowl after compiling a career-best 12.5 sacks. If Ellis can stay healthy, he could produce a similar output in the Bay Area. After missing only four games during his initial eight seasons, Ellis has been held out of 10 contests in the past three years.

Aside from injuries, the other main concern regarding Ellis has been his transition to the 3-4 defense. He was utilized primarily at linebacker in Dallas but will need to adjust back to defensive end in the base 4-3 that the Raiders deploy. However, Ellis’ ability to play both positions will allow him to be used in a variety of ways by defensive coordinator John Marshall.

Not only will Ellis upgrade Oakland’s entire defensive unit, he’s expected to provide tremendous leadership in the locker room. Furthermore, Ellis’ experience should prove to significantly benefit the younger players around him.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To...
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CommentsComments: 7  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
neil b		06:24 AM
06/16/2009
Okay,he'll be 34 come the start of the season and I can't see him playing for another 3 years but,I like this move. Get rid of...
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No.2
El Tato		06:58 AM
06/16/2009
He is an inmediate upgrade over Jay Richardson. No doubt about that. With Ellis and Burgess outside, and Sulak and Scott as pass...
No.3
EZRaider		11:03 AM
06/16/2009
Definately a step in the right direction and their still time to pick up some run support. I think Hollis Thomas is still out...
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