How Ellis Merriweather Could Earn Role in Saints' Backfield

Taking a closer look at newly added New Orleans rookie Ellis Merriweather and how he can carve out a spot in the Saints' crowded backfield.

Bob Rose | May 16, 2023

How Ellis Merriweather Could Earn Role in Saints' Backfield /

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New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara remains the focus of the team’s offense. However, the Saints have brought in a lot of talent behind him at the position this offseason. Jamaal Williams was signed in free agency after running for over 1,000 yards and an NFL-high 17 touchdowns with Detroit. Kendre Miller was added with a third-round draft pick after an outstanding season at TCU.

Undrafted Texas Tech rookie SaRodorick Thompson was brought in to add further competition to the group. Another undrafted player was signed to the position after the team’s rookie mini-camp last weekend.

RB - Ellis Merriweather

Massachusetts

6'2" 225-Lbs.

Merriweather saw just a little action in his first year with UMass, getting 42 carries for 115 yards. He'd be the lone weapon for the Minutemen in 2021. Merriweather led a 1-11 UMass team with 1,138 rushing yards and five scores, with his 22 receptions finishing second on the squad. He'd finish second among Independent schools in rushing yards and average per carry.

Injuries limited Merriweather in 2022. However, his 575 yards on the ground still led a Massachusetts team that again finished 1-11. He'd finish his three-year Minutemen career with 1,828 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns while adding 31 receptions for 217 yards and a score.

After not being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Merriweather was invited to the Green Bay Packers rookie tryouts in early May. The Packers didn't offer him a contract, which led to an invite to New Orleans tryouts last weekend. He attracted enough attention to be offered a contract by the Saints.

Merriweather doesn't have great speed and doesn't show much elusiveness. He'll struggle to bounce plays outside and isn't a breakaway threat in the open field.

Merriweather's lack of burst forces him to power through defenders rather than outrun them. Since he isn't very shifty, he's limited as a receiver and wasn't asked to run a variety of routes in college.

A power runner, Merriweather hits the hole with force and authority. He identifies a lane in an instant and is quick enough to get to the second level quickly. Rarely slowed by first contact, Merriweather fights through tackles for extra yards on every touch. Despite his height, he stays compact to give him the leverage advantage against defenders.

Merriweather has excellent vision to spot cutback lanes. He has the patience to let blocks develop in front of him and reads linebackers well to set up his next move. His power and vision can make him a valuable asset on screens and check-down passes. He also has the hands to expand his role as a pass catcher.

Ellis Merriweather may offer limited value to an NFL offense because of his lack of explosiveness and outside speed. However, he could be a valuable weapon between the tackles and in short yardage situations. It's an area where the Saints have struggled the last two years.

Nov 19, 2022; Massachusetts Minutemen running back Ellis Merriweather (7) gains yards against the Texas A&M Aggies. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Remember that Alvin Kamara is facing a lengthy suspension from the league this season. Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller were brought in to offset that loss and complement Kamara when he does play.

Other backs such as Merriweather, Thompson, and veteran Eno Benjamin will also have opportunities to earn roles with Kamara's pending suspension. New Orleans had great success with undrafted running backs Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and Khiry Robinson over a decade ago. Merriweather and Thompson will have their chances to expand that success.

RB - Ellis Merriweather

Massachusetts

6'2" 225-Lbs.

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