November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (98) against the Atlanta Falcons prior to kickoff of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
A former 1st round #7 overall draft pick and Super Bowl champion defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis is still jobless, but could be signed very soon.
Ellis who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2008 draft, hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but has been a solid player during his short career. The teams who he currently has lined up in his next two trips lined up could possibly snatch him off of the market. Last week he visited the New England Patriots but left their facilities without a contract. So the next 2 teams in line to host the former 1st round draft pick, are both in the NFC North.
Detroit possibly has the best defensive front line in the league and could add more depth by adding the former 1st round draft selection out of USC. Right now they have 5 active defensive tackles, with the starters being Nick Fairley and of course Ndamukong Suh. If Sedrick Ellis is signed, it is likely that he will be fighting for a spot behind Fairley or Suh.
With three veterans in Ogemdi Nwagbuo, C.J. Mosley and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, the competition between the rest of the defensive tackles on this roster should be interesting. The Lions decided to not re-sign unrestricted free agenty Corey Williams, while Sammie Hill signed with the Tennessee Titans.
With his third time in the last few weeks, this is if the Detroit Lions decide to pass up on Ellis, he will make his way to Halas Hall and meet with the Chicago Bears. The competition in Chicago may be tougher for Sedrick, as the Chicago Bears have 2 rookies already looking to make a roster spot.
Right now the Chicago Bears are in talks with Henry Melton, a defensive tackle pro bowler last season who was franchised tagged during the off-season. With Stephen Pea, Corey Irvin and Nate Collins, it may be a long shot if Sedrick Ellis is signed, but could possibly work out.
Both teams are looking to be at the top of the division next season ahead of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. In a division that is known for hard hitting defenses that can not only can cause turnovers, but put up points, is a hot spot for talent like Sedrick Ellis. Maybe what he needs is a fresh start to live up to his draft status.
Either way, both teams could possibly get a solid starter out of him, but that is more than likely to happen in Chicago than Detroit. With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley getting the nod at the #1 and #2 spot and getting most of the reps, could be a concern for Ellis if he is hoping to become a starter.
Unless he is fine with coming off of the bench and getting limited reps during training camp and/or practice, the Chicago Bears could be where Ellis lands. But what would it take to sign him? When he was drafted, he signed a 5 year, $49 million dollar contract with $19.5 million guarantee’d. His career totals right now are currently 2 forced fumbles, 134 tackles and 12.5 quarterback sacks.