Former tight end turned Duke DE brings size, versatility, and a feel-good developmental arc
In the 2021 season, Zamari Ellis was a reserve defensive end for Duke after switching from tight end, and that two-way athletic background is his biggest differentiator: he offers length at 6-5 and 240 pounds, plus the kind of positional versatility coaches love[1][6]. His college production has been limited — Duke’s roster notes show he had one tackle and appeared in only two career games through 2021 — so he’s more of a projection than a stat-sheet star[1][12]. Still, his athletic pedigree, experience, and willingness to reinvent himself make him an intriguing fit for a program that values developmental edge talent[7][15].
