Jets rookie DT Ellis making positive strides

One Jets rookie especially hurt by the lockout was third-round DT Kenrick Ellis, who had lots of raw skill but needed time with an NFL staff to get it refined. The Jets brought him along slowly, and he was inactive for the first five weeks of the season. Ellis saw his first playing time against the Dolphins in Week Six and immediately made an impact with a tackle for loss.

"I think he's got a chance to be really something, and a young man that's really working hard," head coach Rex Ryan said after the Dolphins game. "It's good to see him have some success."

In Week Seven, with Mike DeVito out with a knee injury, Ellis got his first career start. It didn't last long as he left the game with an ankle injury, but he should be ready to go after the team's bye.

The way we hear it, Ellis has impressed observers with his intelligence, work ethic and a high motor. Ellis had a red flag on him coming into the draft because of some run-ins with the law in college, but it appears Ryan's locker room has been good for his development and he will continue to make the contributions on the field, helping the team's run defense.

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Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/10/26/jets-rookie-dt-ellis-making-positive-strides

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