Dave’s Seven Round Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft

Nov 9, 2013; Ruston, LA, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (14) is sacked by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive tackle Justin Ellis (70) during the first quarter at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Round Four, 122nd Overall

The Pick: Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech NT

There’s nothing wrong with improving the level of competition throughout the roster, and the Eagles aren’t in the position to pass on talent at nose tackle. Bennie Logan performed well as a rookie in 2013, but reserve tackle Damion Square was manhandled by Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray in Week 17 of the regular season to the tune of Murray receiving a $21,000 fine. While the hit was not deemed legal, your nose tackle should not be blown up by a running back if it can be prevented.

Justin Ellis certainly looks the part of a NT with a 6-foot-1, 331 pound frame. The Louisiana Tech product would be an imposing presence, but it’s a bit of a risky pick because Ellis has a limited ceiling when asked to do other things than to be the brick wall that he naturally is. Where Logan can shed blocks and get to the quarterback occasionally, Ellis would primarily serve as a run stuffer that forces backs to the outside and have to deal with Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton. Not that those qualities are bad, but it would go against what the Eagles like with acquiring players who can contribute in multiple facets.

The role Ellis would have from day one is pretty clear, and it would be the guess of most that he would slot in as the reserve NT behind Bennie Logan by competing with Damion Square. His time on the field depends on the amount of certain run situations the Eagles face, but for all intents and purposes he won’t be pushed to usurp a promising player in Logan. This pick is more for the novelty of getting a different kind of toy for Billy Davis to work into his defense than pigeonholing the team into one certain skillset.