New Orleans Saints rookie linebacker Kaden Elliss made an appearance on the Locked on Saints podcast, chopping it up with host Ross Jackson and discussing the start of his NFL journey. Elliss discussed his path to the 2019 NFL Draft, and what he’s expecting as a member of the Saints. He grew up in an NFL household — his father, Luther Elliss, was a Pro Bowl defensive tackle and teammate of Barry Sanders with the Detroit Lions.
The rookie seventh-round pick also discussed his pre-draft contact with the Saints, and what a relief it was to get a call from general manager Mickey Loomis on draft day informing him that he’d now be wearing black and gold. Topics Elliss talked about included:
- His positional versatility at Idaho, and that time he had to play three-technique defensive tackle against Washington State (at just 225 pounds)
- Occasional appearances on offense, where he caught a few touchdowns as a tight end made some plays as a read-option quarterback
- Marveling at how accurately Drew Brees throws a football — Elliss makes it clear that YouTube highlights don’t do Brees justice
- First impression of New Orleans, especially his first visit to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Saints team Hall of Fame, and his first attempt at eating crawfish
- His father’s reaction to being drafted not just by the Saints, but by a Super Bowl contender
- The responsibilities coaches are putting on him, and the depth of the Saints defensive playbook
It’s a fun listen, and Elliss comes across as someone eager to make his mark on his new team. Be sure to check it out.
