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12-Sack Pass Rusher Named Top NFL Draft Sleeper

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Jonah Elliss Sleeper

While the top of the NFL Draft always features the most exciting prospects, games are won and lost by the players picked after the first round. Finding those diamonds in the rough can singlehandedly make or break a franchise, and one such sleeper this year could be Utah edge defender Jonah Elliss. According to longtime NFL executive Scott Pioli , Elliss has the traits to develop into a star and could get even better at the professional level.

Measuring 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, he is an undersized edge rusher who surprised a lot of people by entering the draft this year. Although he is a good, young player with major upside, he still has to develop to become a finish product. The son of two-time NFL Pro Bowler Luther Elliss, Jonah possesses good initial get-off, strong pass rush instincts and disruptive ability with a nonstop motor.

As of this posting, most draft experts expect Jonah Elliss to go off the board late in the second round or early in the third, which lets him qualify for the sleeper label. While it only takes one team to fall in love with him and select him ahead of consensus, these five organizations make the most sense for his current anticipated draft range.

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5 Teams That Could Draft “Sleeper” Jonah Elliss

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins spent free agency trying to navigate their way out of salary cap hell. While working the books, they had to part ways with several members of their star-studded defensive line, and even the players remaining on the roster carry serious health risks. This team needs to find younger pass rushers, and Jonah Elliss could be the perfect sleeper for this team. With Bradley Chubb coming back from a torn ACL, the Utah product could help minimize his workload as Chubb builds up to full strength.

Baltimore Ravens

With Jadeveon Clowney gone , most of Baltimore’s pass rushers are either close to the end of their career (Kyle Van Noy) or relatively unproven (Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo). Jonah Elliss might not be the most proven pass rusher in the draft class, but the sleeper could end up being the most productive edge defender on this roster. The Ravens have one of the better coaching staffs in the game and should be able to get the most out of the talented youngster.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs could use another edge defender, but not as much as they need a cornerback, left tackle, and wide receiver. With serious need at these premium positions, they might have to wait until the middle rounds to get another pass rusher. Jonah Elliss is a great high-upside sleeper pick for this team and could provide some competition for Felix Anudike-Uzomah after a disappointing rookie season.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a short-term answer for their pass-rushing woes with Chase Young , but they still need a long-term fix. Isaiah Foskey showed nothing during his first year in the league, and while it’s too early to completely give up on him, New Orleans needs to have a Plan B. In a worst-case scenario, Jonah Elliss can earn early playing time and try and justify Pioli’s claims as a sleeper. In a best-case scenario, the Saints land two cost-controlled players at a premium position.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers signed Jadeveon Clowney to temporarily replace the departed Brian Burns. However, if they want a long-term solution, they should consider drafting Jonah Elliss. Making Bryce Young comfortable should be Priority Number 1 this offseason, but the team has already secured the offensive line and provided relaible receivers. If Carolina drafts another receiver early, they could justify using their third-round pick on defense.

Main Photo: Rob Gray – USA Today Sports

The post 12-Sack Pass Rusher Named Top NFL Draft Sleeper appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football .