Emerging Defender Finding Permanent Spot Amid Patriots’ Rebuild

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots might have something in linebacker Christian Elliss.

Elliss’ name is one you’ve probably heard a bit more over the last several weeks, as he’s been thrust into a bigger role following injuries to Sione Takitaki and Ja’Whaun Bentley, and diminishing returns from Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan.

New England didn’t originally intend for him to contribute on that side of the ball, however, claiming the 25-year-old during the final month of last season with hopes he could help out on special teams. Elliss did that, earning another shot to crack the roster entering 2024.

It’s been a steady progression ever since for the son of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss and brother of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss, who saw an increase in snaps over the last three weeks and made a statement with his do-it-all performance in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets.

“It really came down to everyone doing their job,” Elliss said following the game, evoking the words of the man who brought him to New England. “… If you have your eyes in the wrong place, then you’re going to be all over the field. You’re never going to be where you’re supposed to be. I would say that’s what I took from the last few games I’ve played, is I’ve got to lock in my keys, on my eyes, and then the pleasure comes from not trying to do someone else’s job. Do my job.”

Elliss wasn’t perfect, but he did show enough against New York to produce hope that he could become a permanent contributor moving forward.

The Patriots elected to increase his role with hopes that an added layer of athleticism would help the second level of the defense. Elliss rewarded them with a run stuff in the red zone, tight coverage on Jets running back Breece Hall and a crucial third-down sack on quarterback Aaron Rodgers — which forced a missed field goal attempt that proved to be a deciding factor in the game.

“I would say it comes down to the coaches’ belief in me,” Elliss said of Sunday’s performance. “I think they saw that I’m a little bit faster. I can cover pretty well. I feel like when talking to them, they said they wanted to use my tools a little bit more… I think I wouldn’t be where I’m at now if it weren’t for (Patriots inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower, head coach Jerod Mayo, defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington), and even (cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino and safeties coach Brian Belichick). There’s a lot on our defensive side with the coaches, with belief in me, and just feeding into like, ‘Hey, you’re the best, you’re the best, you’re the best, play like it, play like it.’ I have nothing but high praise for the coaches getting me ready for this role.”

New England hasn’t been able to find a permanent replacement in the middle since Bentley went down with his season-ending pectoral injury, but trial and error has led to the emergence of Elliss — who is starting to find his way in the family business.

“I think my coaches do a great job of getting me prepared, of making sure my eyes are in the right place, I have good keys,” Elliss said. “When it comes to the things I do on the day-to-day, I do watch a little bit more film, I stay a little bit longer, but I wouldn’t say much changes. I always prepared like I’m a starter, but I would say I maybe just watch a little bit more, stay a little bit longer, and it seems to be working out.”