ENGLEWOOD, Colo — For the second time in five years, Sean Payton has drafted one of Luther Elliss' sons.
In 2019, Payton was head coach of the New Orleans Saints when he drafted linebacker Kaden Elliss. On Friday, Payton as head coach of the Denver Broncos drafted outside linebacker Jonah Ellis with the No. 76 overall pick in the third round.
"Obviously, a little coincidence,'' Payton said after the Day 2 of the NFL draft concluded Friday night. "They're two different players. Kaden plays more inside and we got more of a pressure player.''
"Honestly, my heart dropped,'' Jonah Elliss said in a conference call with the Denver media after he was drafted. "Ooh it was so exciting, man. I have a big smile on my face.''
Jonah Ellis had 12.0 sacks last season for Utah -- and that's with missing the three games from a torn labrum that forced him to undergo season-ending surgery. He has since been cleared but may not be ready to participate in the Broncos' offseason program until May or June.
His father, Luther Elliss, was a 9-year defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions from 1995-2003 before finishing his playing career in 2004 with the Broncos.
Luther Elliss returned to the team in 2015 to serve as the team chaplain. The Broncos won Super Bowl 50 that year.
"He's in the other room right now,'' Jonah Elliss said. "He told me how great a culture and how great a fan base they have."
Besides Jonah and Kaden, Luther has two other sons playing in the NFL: Noah Elliss, a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Christian Elliss, a linebacker for the New England Patriots who prepped at Valor Christian High School.
As a father, Ed McCaffrey has a rival.
"I do remember when we moved out to Colorado, I spent a year there,'' Jonah said. "It was really awesome to see my dad get back to football. You could see that his love for the sport really lights him up and makes him excited to go to work."
The Broncos wrap up their draft Saturday with six picks in rounds four through six. They have one pick in the fourth round (No. 121), three in fifth (136, 145, 147), one in the sixth (207) and one in the seventh (256).
"Tomorrow's going to be fun,'' said general manager George Paton.
The Broncos are also expected to reach agreements with up to 9 undrafted college free agents.
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