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Dallas Cowboys draft series: Georgia LB Dannell Ellerbe
10:40 AM Fri, Apr 17, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips
Size: 6-1, 236
40-yard dash: 4.64
POSITIVES
Ellerbe is one of the best coverage inside linebackers in the draft. He has good speed and quickness and, while he doesn't have outstanding ball skills, he has consistently shown excellent awareness in coverage. He's also an effective blitzer. He is aggressive against the run, willing and able to take on and shed blockers and an explosive hitter. He's a versatile player, spending time at all three LB spots in the Bulldogs' scheme.
NEGATIVES
While he could add extra mass, he's undersized for a 3-4 inside linebacker. He misses too many tackles, in part because he often goes for the big hit instead of making a sound tackle. Durability is a concern, especially after missing three games with a knee injury last season and struggling after his return. There is a character red flag: a 2006 arrest for an alcohol-related accident when he crashed a teammate's car into a tree.
COWBOY FIT
Ellerbe could develop into the starter at the "Mo" inside linebacker position after Keith Brooking's Cowboys days are done. Ellerbe, who is projected as a mid-round pick, should be able to immediately compete to fill the void left by Kevin Burnett's departure in the nickel and dime packages and contribute on special teams.
SCRAPBOOK
Ellerbe staying upbeat (Athens Banner-Herald)
Ellerbe focusing on NFL (Richmond Daily Journal)
10:40 AM Fri, Apr 17, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips
Size: 6-1, 236
40-yard dash: 4.64
POSITIVES
Ellerbe is one of the best coverage inside linebackers in the draft. He has good speed and quickness and, while he doesn't have outstanding ball skills, he has consistently shown excellent awareness in coverage. He's also an effective blitzer. He is aggressive against the run, willing and able to take on and shed blockers and an explosive hitter. He's a versatile player, spending time at all three LB spots in the Bulldogs' scheme.
NEGATIVES
While he could add extra mass, he's undersized for a 3-4 inside linebacker. He misses too many tackles, in part because he often goes for the big hit instead of making a sound tackle. Durability is a concern, especially after missing three games with a knee injury last season and struggling after his return. There is a character red flag: a 2006 arrest for an alcohol-related accident when he crashed a teammate's car into a tree.
COWBOY FIT
Ellerbe could develop into the starter at the "Mo" inside linebacker position after Keith Brooking's Cowboys days are done. Ellerbe, who is projected as a mid-round pick, should be able to immediately compete to fill the void left by Kevin Burnett's departure in the nickel and dime packages and contribute on special teams.
SCRAPBOOK
Ellerbe staying upbeat (Athens Banner-Herald)
Ellerbe focusing on NFL (Richmond Daily Journal)
