Oakland Raiders: A Few Names To Keep, A Few To Dump Ahead Of 2018

Dump: Justin Ellis

Over his four seasons in Oakland now, the man known as Jelly has become a fan favorite. Which makes parting with him a touch more difficult than saying goodbye to some other players.

But, with his rookie deal expiring, the Raiders may be better served by letting Ellis seek greener pastures elsewhere.

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Part of that opinion is based on simple economics and the other part is based on performance. Although Ellis has played better this year, he’s not developed into the sort of pocket-pushing force on the interior of the line that Oakland needs. Desperately.

One of Oakland’s biggest problems on the defensive side of the ball has been an inability to get to the quarterback. To apply consistent and sustained pressure. To move the quarterback off his spot and perhaps, make him throw sooner than he wants to.

And yes, a big part of that was Ken Norton’s defensive schemes. He never put his players in a position to have success. And also yes, now that Pagano is in charge, things are looking different. The defense is more aggressive and more in-your-face. They’re getting some good pressure of late.

But, even with Pagano calling the shots, Ellis has failed to be a consistent force. He’s just not getting penetration, not moving the pocket, and not forcing the action up front.

By all accounts, Ellis is a good guy and a good teammate. But, the Raiders need more than that from the interior of that defensive line. A lot more. The need a big, physical, active presence up front. And Ellis has failed to provide that consistently.

The money it would take to re-sign Ellis would be much better spent signing Denico Autry to a deal.