It's amazing how things just work out.
In 2019, Kaden Elliss was drafted in the 7th round by the New Orleans Saints. He was the 244th overall selection, the 10th-to-last choice in the entire class. In fact, Elliss was the 30th linebacker chosen that year. He signed a four-year deal with New Orleans for $2.59-million.
During training camp that year, he competed for a roster spot as a backup. Among those he was trying to surpass in that role were Vince Biegel, Darnell Sankey, Colton Jumper, Porter Gustin, and Josh Martin. Elliss worked his way through that gauntlet of names to become the primary back up to middle linebacker Alex Anzalone. A knee injury in September sidelined Elliss for the rest of the season.
For the next two seasons, the former Idaho Vandal was primarily used a backup, getting few tackles and one total sack, but in 2022, Elliss was moved to an outside slot, putting him in position to rush on passing situations more.
He blossomed. Elliss started 11-games that year, piled up 78-tackles, 43 of them solo, put up seven tackles for loss and had his best season behind the offensive line, scoring seven sacks.
