Indianapolis — Edge defender Jonah Elliss was one of the NFL draft prospects who fully appreciated the Detroit Lions’ spectacular 2023 season, and he had a stronger reason than most.
If the last name looks familiar to Lions fans, it’s because he is the son of Luther Elliss, Detroit’s first-round pick in the 1995 NFL draft.
And, like his father’s son, Jonah grew up to be a Lions fan, despite the fact that he was less than a year old when his father last played for Detroit in 2003.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s awesome to finally be able to say I’m a Lions fan and not have people laughing at me,” Elliss said at the Combine Wednesday. “It feels very decent. So I enjoy it. “I love what they’re doing out there.”
And, while Elliss would love to be a part of what’s going on with the Lions, he’s quick to point out that he’d love to be drafted by any team.
Barring an unforeseen event, Jonah Elliss will undoubtedly be drafted, and he might be drafted in the second day (Rounds 2-3) due to his pass-rushing ability.
He compares his style and physical characteristics to Haason Reddick, a pass rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Just because we’re both like lighter, quicker guys and we like that speed to bull, speed to push-pull, speed off the edge, inside moves,” Elliss went on to say. “I feel like we are similar in that regard. I’m striving to be like him. I am definitely not there yet. But he’s someone I’ve absolutely watched films with and looked up to.”
Elliss is very different from his father, a big defensive tackle who started for the Lions for eight seasons and was chosen to the Pro Bowl twice.
A footballing family
Jonah Elliss will not only follow his father into the NFL, but also his three brothers, Christian, Kaden, and Noah.
Christian and Noah are currently with the Eagles, while Kaden is entering his second season with the Atlanta Falcons.
Christian and Kaden were selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft, while Noah went undrafted.
“Yeah, I mean, they teach me a lot,” Jonah explained. “Actually, after games, they would often phone me and try to help me with stuff they spotted. And notably Kaden, Christian, and Noah are always trying to help me. “Hey, Jonah, your get-off isn’t good enough.” Christian was on it. ‘Hello, your hands are slow.’ Always like, hey, it appears you’re blocking yourself.
“There’s always stuff that they see and they help me with, so to be able to have like that fine family environment that all know football and all are professionals is really helpful and a huge blessing.”
Jonah differs from his brothers in that he followed his father to Utah, whereas the other three played in Idaho.
Jonah even got to wear his dad’s jersey number, 83. He described it as a “cool feeling.”
It would be awesome if he ended up playing for the Lions, however he does state he “loves” everyone.
“Lions just because my dad played for them,” he went on to say. “It was always sort of like my dream team. But, I mean, now that all my brothers are playing everywhere, it’s kind of difficult.”
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Did the Packers’ GM take a dig at the Lions’ division title celebration?
Some supporters believe Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst took aim at the Detroit Lions following their first division triumph in over 30 years.
While speaking with reporters, Gutekunst was questioned about chasing the Detroit Lions, who won the NFC North last season. Gutekunst was dismissive, saying the Packers have “never hung banners for division championships” — in contrast to the Lions, who did raise one for their previous victory.
Gutekunst may have merely stated that the Packers aim to more than NFC North titles, which is understandable. However, the mention to banners drew some people’s notice.
The Packers and Lions are long-time rivals. Detroit defeated Green Bay on the final week of the 2022 season, keeping the Packers out of the playoffs, which sparked some postgame hostility. There is no doubt that, even if they seek more than simply division victories, being passed over by the Lions does not sit well with the franchise or its fans.
