PFF Ranks Jonah Elliss as No. 5 Edge Rusher for 2024 NFL Draft

Two leading NFL Draft analysts from PFF ranked Elliss as the fifth best edge rushing prospect for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft

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Connor Rogers and Trevor Sikkema, hosts of the NFL Stock Exchange Podcast presented by PFF,recently ranked Utah’s Jonah Elliss as the No. 5 edge rusher for the 2024 NFL Draft. 

2024 NFL Draft Edge Rusher Rankings💪

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Elliss was the second highest ranked Pac-12 edge defender on each analyst’s list, with UCLA’s Laiatu Latu ranked slightly higher, placed third on Rogers’ list and first by Sikkema. 

With an NFL pedigree and an impressive college resume, Elliss has garnered significant press in the pre-draft process for his athleticism and ability to sack the quarterback. 

In 2023, after two seasons at Utah, Elliss broke out, leading Morgan Scalley’s defense with 12 sacks in 10 games. An untimely shoulder injury derailed a likely record-breaking season, but the junior defensive end added 16 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections as an all-around quarterback-disrupting machine. 

At 6-foot-2, 246 pounds, some analysts see Elliss as one of the most versatile edge rushers in the draft. Above-average flexibility, acceleration, and body control are all among the traits that have teams itching to add Elliss to their squad. 

Currently pinned as a premiere 3-4 pass-rushing prospect, Elliss is projected as a day two selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, similar to other Utah prospects, this projection has been steadily rising. 

One potential destination for Elliss is the Atlanta Falcons. The team hired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake ahead of the upcoming season and is expected to rely heavily on a 3-4 defensive concept. Lake previously stated his interest in acquiring players who play fast.

“We’re going to play fast because we’re going to get fast players, but they’re going to play free because they know the defense,” Lake said, "When we call that defense, they can diagnose. They can read and react, and they go fast.”

A desire for ‘fast players’, a clear need for edge-rushing depth, and the fact that they possess three day-two picks, all add to the narrative that Elliss might find himself in Atlanta. Even more, Elliss’ older brother, Kaden Elliss, is currently a linebacker for the Falcons.