Greg

Ellis

The experiment of using Greg Ellis at right defensive end has temporarily ended. Coach Bill Parcells said Ellis will stick on the left side, and free-agent acquisition Marcellus Wiley will manage the right side.

Ellis is one of the top IDP defensive ends so far this season.

He also had two personal fouls, but IDP owners don’t care about that. Ellis has five sacks on the season and should be owned in most leagues.

This news, in addition to the switch to the 3-4 defense, severly limits Ellis’ IDP value this season.

Ellis was already lining up with the first-team in his first practice since signing earlier in the week. Barring a Derrick Burgess trade, the two veterans figure to start at end with Trevor Scott as a situational pass rusher.

Ellis, turning 34 before the season, will move back to defensive end after playing OLB in Dallas over the last two years. While on paper this might look like another past-his-prime Raiders signing, Oakland needs pass rush help and Ellis has 20.5 sacks since 2006. It’s a solid gamble for a team that needs to pressure the quarterback much more consistently. It also increases the chances of Oakland trading Derrick Burgess.