NFL Draft 2011: A Second-Round Nose Tackle Answer for the Chiefs

Hampton's Kenrick Ellis Would be a Perfect fit for the Chiefs in the 2011 NFL Draft

Hampton's Kenrick Ellis is the second or third ranked nose tackles on most draft boards (I'm not countin Marcell Dareus as a nose tackle). Baylor's Phil Taylor is the unanimous No. 1 ranked nose tackle, and he is often linked to the Chiefs in the first-rounds of mock drafts.

Ellis, who is 6'5" and 346 pounds, is moving up draft boards. He is currently considered a second-round prospect, and he may or may not still be available when the Chiefs make their second selection.

Mike Mayock is quoted on WalterFootball.com as saying:

"I don't think Kenrick Ellis is going to get out of the second round."

Ellis sums up his abilities pretty well in Wilson's article:

"Just a physical specimen. I'm 340-plus pounds. I'm a big guy. I clog up the middle. I love to play the run. A run-stuffing defensive tackle."

Ellis proved his toughness in 2010 as he played the majority of the season on a high ankle sprain. He was still able to manage 94 tackles, 15 for loss and two sacks.

Ellis does have some character and effort issues surrounding him. WalterFootball tells us:

"Ellis has all the physical talent, but he has some work ethic concerns and isn't very consistent in games."

The character issues stem from him being dismissed from South Carolina. According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post the issuea at Sout Carolina stem from a failed drug test.

However, this should not be too big of hindrance to Ellis as it is well in his past. He also reportedly interviewed well at the NFL Combine. "We like the kid," an NFL source said told the NFP's Wilson. "We were impressed with him."

This would be an excellent selection for the Chiefs as it would really give them some fexibility with their first pick. They could go offensive line, linebacker or trade down. However they would risk the possibilty that Ellis will no longer be on the draft board when they pick in the second-round.

At this point, with the lack of nose tackle talent, I'd be surprised if Ellis isn't off the board before the Chiefs make the 21st selection in the second-round.

For Bleacher Report's full draft coverage of all teams, be sure to check out the NFL Draft Center.

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