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.
Jonah Elliss is a DE prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 8.59 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 255 out of 1798 DE from 1987 to 2024.
Elliss now officially with the best cone time for an end ever. https://t.co/inYgbc15cU pic.twitter.com/xaeMh2zh5R
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 15, 2024
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
