Skip to main content
Giants Country

Giants Sign Nose Tackle Justin Ellis

New York adds a very underrated, yet key piece to its defense in former Ravens nose tackle Justin Ellis, who reunites with defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale on the Giants.
Patricia Traina|
Giants Sign Nose Tackle Justin Ellis
Giants Sign Nose Tackle Justin Ellis

In this story:

New York Giants

The Giants have signed nose tackle Justin Ellis to a one-year contract, per the NFL Network.

Ellis, 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds, was originally drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2014 draft (pick No. 107 overall). He spent five seasons with the Raiders before joining the Ravens, for whom he's played the last three seasons under defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale, now the Giants defensive coordinator.

Ellis has appeared in 100 career games with 50 starts. A true nose tackle who takes the place of Austin Johnson, whom the Giants lost in free agency earlier this month, Ellis has recorded 148 total tackles, four quarterback hits, and six tackles for a loss.

A pure run stuffer projected to be a two-down player for the Giants, Ellis's pass-rush production has been scarce, as he's only recorded a half-sack in his career.  

Per Pro Football Focus, Ellis has worked across from both the A- and B-gaps in his career, the latter in those pass-rushing situations he's drawn. Not much of a blitzer, Ellis is a big-bodied defender capable of tying up multiple blockers.

Ellis played his college ball at Louisiana Tech from 2010-to 2013, appearing in 37 games with 25 starts. He finished his college stint with 102 tackles (37 solos) and was an All-Conference USA honorable mention as a senior.

 Join the Giants Country Community

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

Share on XFollow Patricia_Traina
Home/Transactions