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Position: ILB
Class: 2009 Big Board
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hamlet, NC
Date of Birth: 11/29/85
Height: 6007
Weight: 236
Bench Press: n/a
Vertical Jump: n/a
40 T: 4.60
Projection: 3rd/4th Round
Ordering: 95
1.17.09 – (East-West Shrine Game Practice): Has not been the active playmaker he was on game film as a junior. Does have the ability to play multiple spots in the pros but now seems more of a late-round prospect than a second- or third-rounder as previously thought. Waiting to see that spark that was missing most of his senior campaign. In the right system, he could still develop into a starting linebacker at the NFL level.
Scout's Take - 8.15.08
Pros: An excellent athlete, Ellerbe has exceptional speed and a solid frame. He was very productive last season, leading the Georgia Bulldogs (finished No. 2 in the country) in tackles with 93 stops. This Dawg excels at penetrating the line of scrimmage, with 12 of those tackles coming for loss. He’s a force against both the run and the pass, recording 4.5 sacks and 15 hurries with the ability to drop into coverage. Ellerbe has that special closing speed when he can smell a tackle. He is also versatile, having started at the MIKE, WILL and SAM linebacker positions for the Bulldogs last season alone.
Cons: What happened in his first two seasons? Injuries and off the field issues held him back and he failed to make an impact. Physically, Ellerbe is a bit undersized, lacking the bulk necessary to play on Sundays. He could have trouble when asked to take on offensive linemen. Ellerbe has had brushes with the law and was suspended for three games during his sophomore season, so you can be sure before an NFL team invests a first round pick on this Dawg they will do extensive background checks.
Overall: The second team All-SEC performer took a major step forward as a junior, his first as a starter “Between the Hedges” and if he makes a similar leap as a senior, Ellerbe could be a first round pick and among the first linebackers selected. His skill set makes his likely position middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. From there, he will benefit from the protection of defensive tackles which will allow him to roam free, using his speed and athleticism.