When 278 tackles, 47 tackles for loss and 17 sacks aren't enough to get you on the NFL's radar, you take matters into your own hands.
Last winter
Kaden Elliss waited for the phone call that would send him to the Senior Bowl or the Shrine Game or the NFLPA Game. Instead, after being listed as an alternate at multiple senior all-star games and getting snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine, Elliss remained undeterred. He continued working out on his own and with former Vandal punter T.J. Conley in Spokane, preparing for his next opportunity.
Elliss finally caught a break when Utah head coach Kyle Wittingham allowed him to participate at the Utes' Pro Day in Salt Lake City (where Elliss led Judge Memorial Catholic High School to a state title). He made the most of it. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Elliss posted elite marks in the agility drills. He finished the the 60-yard shuttle in 11.1 seconds - faster than any time posted at the NFL Combine. His 6.6-second three-cone drill would have ranked as the second-fastest time at the combine.Â
The NFL took notice.
Â
When Elliss showed up at Idaho's Pro Day the following week, he raised his vertical leap by four inches (34.5"), lowered his 40-yard dash time to 4.59 and clocked a 4.06 in the 20-yard shuttle.
He had officially arrived.
Â
Elliss spent the next three weeks making pre-draft visits to eight NFL teams. Each ran him through their own version of a job interview. Some identified him at a specific position, some admired the versatility he brings to the table. An All-Big Sky First Team selection at linebacker last year, and All-Sun Belt linebacker in 2017, Elliss also moonlighted as a tight end at Idaho. He caught 10 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns in spot work on the offensive side of the ball during his last two seasons. Still, the consensus among draft experts is that Elliss will be targeted as an outside linebacker and pass-rush specialist.
Â
Respected NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang published his annual "Diamonds in the Rough" list of the top sleepers in the NFL Draft, tabbing Elliss as the unofficial captain of the team.Â
"I believe he will be the first player selected this year who was not invited to the combine, making him the unofficial captain of this year's Diamonds in the Rough squad."
(Bonus: Rang also listed fellow Vandal
David Ungerer among his wide receivers to consider as diamonds in the rough. Rang attended Idaho's Pro Day to get a look at Elliss, but came away impressed with Ungerer's potential as well.)
If Rang's prognostication rings true, Elliss will become the first Vandal to hear his name called since Korey Toomer was taken in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. The NFLDraftScout.com writer is not alone in his optimistic view of Elliss' chances.
Various mock drafts project Elliss landing somewhere between the fifth and seventh rounds. The latest
NFL.com seven-round mock puts him in the fifth round to Seattle. The Athletic listed Ellis as
a seventh-round selection to the Detroit Lions - the same franchise who drafted his father Luther in 1995.
The Elliss Family will be together for what could be an unforgettable weekend. Kaden, however, says he doesn't want to watch the draft. He'll keep his phone nearby ("on loud"), but the TV probably won't be tuned to the stage in Nashville.Â
Of course, everything could change with one phone call.
The 2019 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. PT with the start of the first round in Nashville. The NFL Draft will continue Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. PT with the start of the second round, immediately followed by the third round. The final day will begin Saturday, at 9 a.m. PT, featuring rounds four through seven.
Check out some of the media coverage of Elliss leading up to the NFL Draft...
Idaho Statesman: Former Vandal, son of NFL veteran, rockets up draft boards after impressive workouts
Diamonds in the Rough: Kaden Elliss is the unofficial captain of this year's Rang GangÂ
Draft Diamonds: Meet NFL sleeper Kaden Elliss, who has NFL bloodlinesÂ
KLEW: Idaho LB Kaden Elliss talks NFL Draft process
Spokesman Review: Kaden Elliss flips sleds, turns heads at NFL pro dayÂ
Lewiston Tribune: Elliss' reputation has finally spread beyond Moscow
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
