Every NFL team wants a leader on the back end of their defense who commands respect, and a versatile presence who can make plays at every level of the field.
Notre Dame’s Jalen Elliott checks both of those boxes.
A complete player who knows how to rally a unit to victory, Elliott recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the benefits of playing for a top college program, why his versatility will set him apart at the next level, and more.
JM: How would you describe your skill set?
JE: I think I’m pretty versatile when it comes to playing on the defensive side of the ball. I have the ability to shut down the middle of the field. If you watched me this past year, that’s where I played the majority of my snaps. I’m also able to come downhill and cover tight ends or even the slot receiver. I enjoyed showing my versatility throughout the season. I have the range to take things away on the back-end and I can step up to the line of scrimmage and cover man-to-man as well.
JM: You’re extremely versatile, playing multiple positions and roles for that Notre Dame defense. Is there one position that fits you best at the next level?
JE: I wouldn’t say that there’s one that fits me best. I’m probably most comfortable playing in the post because that’s where I played the majority of my snaps. I love to take that deep route away. That’s where I was most of the time. I’m comfortable playing multiple positions however. I enjoy showcasing my versatility.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing in the defensive backfield?
JE: You can play the game with a lot of emotion. I think that’s huge for me. I’m a guy that’s very vocal on the field. Being somebody that plays the game that way, I’ve always enjoyed watching the vocal players. Growing up, my favorite players were the loud ones (laughs). I love showing that raw emotion. I’m a passionate guy and that’s how I play the game. I love that you can do that at defensive back and not get scrutinized for it. I don’t think you can play that way at any other position really.
JM: Playing at Notre Dame afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best players you’ve had to go up against?
JE: You said it, man. I’ve played against a lot of great talent. Somebody that stuck out to me my freshmen year was a guy named Adoree’ Jackson. That was early on in my career. He played at USC, and he plays for the Tennessee Titans now. He scored on us three times in three different ways (laughs). That was pretty amazing to watch. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever played against. More recently, I played against Georgia running back D’Andre Swift this year. He’s a great, versatile running back. He makes big plays for his team. Playing at Notre Dame, you’re gonna play against great competition on a weekly basis. Those are just a couple of guys I squared off with that were very talented.
JM: You’ve had so many great teammates throughout your time at Notre Dame, but I’m gonna put you on the spot a little bit. If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?
JE: I’m gonna go with my safety brother, Alohi Gilman. We were the vocal leaders of our defense. We were sorta tasked with passing down the messages from our defensive coordinator to the rest of the defense. That’s how much trust they put in us. I know that he’s gonna go to battle with me. We’d go to war together in a heartbeat. That’s just a guy that I love to play the game with.
JM: If there was one NFL quarterback you could intercept, who would it be and why?
JE: That’s a great question. Wow, that’s tough. I would have to say Tom Brady. He’s arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. That would be a memory that I could forever cherish. You tell your grand-kids about the time you picked off Tom Brady (laughs). He’s the GOAT. He said he’s coming back to play a few more years. Hopefully I’ll get that opportunity.
JM: Going back to your versatility, I’m curious as to what you enjoy more, coming downhill and playing the run game or dropping back into coverage?
JE: It’s kinda funny because I can’t limit myself to just one of those. I get great pleasure from doing both. Coming downhill and making a sure tackle is just as fun as playing great coverage on the back-end to me. Whether that’s a slot receiver or a tight end, I love it all. I get pleasure from doing both although it’s a different feeling.
JM: What kind of impact is Jalen Elliott gonna make at the next level?
JE: Jalen Elliott is gonna be a guy that’s gonna come in ready to learn. I’m gonna continue to be versatile and put the work in. Whatever weakness people say I have, that’s exactly what I’m gonna work on until it becomes a strength.
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