2014 NFL Draft: Bruce Ellington visiting Patriots, Cardinals, Rams
South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) celebrates after scoring. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina Gamecocks product Bruce Ellington is gaining some buzz this spring as an intriguing 2014 NFL Draft prospect, and it’s not just because his cousin Andre was a rookie sensation last season for the Arizona Cardinals as a top-notch all-purpose back. The other Ellington has gained ground as a touted mid-round sleeper who can be a dynamic weapon in the slot for a contender looking to add some playmaking ability to their offense, and he’s received several looks over the past couple of months.
After visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers and being worked out by the New England Patriots, Bruce Ellington will visit the St. Louis Rams, Cardinals, and Patriots, per a tweet from FOX Sports’s Mike Garafolo. All three of these meetings will take place this week, and Patriots fans need to watch Ellington closely now that the team has been linked to him twice.
Ellington is just 5’9″ and has similar size to his cousin, but he’s a great all-around talent with great, sub-4.5 speed, excellent shakes, and plenty of talent as a pass-catcher. He’s a more refined pass-catcher than most sprightly playmakers of his ilk, and that makes him all the more interesting for teams. This is a guy who is very tough and polished, and he has plenty of long speed. The Cardinals would have a great set of offensive weapons if they were able to have both Ellingtons to go with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, while the rival Rams are in need of some more playmakers despite drafting Tavon Austin last season as that kind of a playmaker.
A talented returner, Ellington also fits with the Patriots, as contenders love playmakers who can be that kind of a wrinkle in their offense, and he would be an excellent addition on special teams and in the offense with Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Shane Vereen, Danny Amendola, and the second-year wideouts.