Old-school thumper who plays with his hair on fire and punishes everything that moves between the tackles. Elliott is a heat-seeking missile against the run — elite balance through contact, violent closing speed, and an instinctive trigger that puts him in the backfield before linemen can climb to the second level. The coverage limitations are real but not disqualifying; he's functional enough in zone drops and can handle backs on shallow routes, though athletic tight ends and space matchups will expose him. If paired with a rangy WILL backer in a blitz-heavy scheme like Todd Bowles' Tampa-2 hybrid, Elliott projects as a quality starting MIKE who sets the tone for the defense and makes an immediate impact on special teams while he grows.
- Elite balance through contact — bounces off blockers and finds the ball carrier with rare body control
- Physical enforcer who delivers punishment at the point of attack and wears down ball carriers over the course of a game
- Quick trigger and excellent run-fit instincts — reads keys fast and plays with zero hesitancy downhill
- Legitimate blitz production with 7.0 sacks from the MIKE position, showing real value as a pass rush threat when the design calls for it
- Two-year green dot captain who communicates at an NFL level — natural MIKE who can set and call a defense
- Coverage athleticism will get exposed against NFL-caliber tight ends in space and on vertical routes — separation issues at the next level
- Needs to develop block-shedding technique when offensive linemen lock onto him — hand work (clubbing, rip, leverage points) is inconsistent
- Not an elite change-of-direction athlete — can change directions well but not at a level that translates to mirroring dynamic athletes in the open field
- High-waisted build can affect pad level and balance at times, leading to occasional leverage disadvantages
Similar physical profile (6-2, 230s), both started at smaller programs, both are downhill thumpers with blitz production and leadership traits. Davis was a third-round pick who developed into a Pro Bowler — Elliott's floor is a quality starter if he follows a similar growth trajectory, though the ceiling may not reach Davis' All-Pro level.