Dannell Ellerbe, starting weak side linebacker for the Saints, has provided two years with very similar results: impact when on the field, but very little in the way of reliability in terms of staying on the field. After playing in only six games and starting in four during the 2015 campaign, Ellerbe managed to get on the field for nine games, starting in eight of them in 2016. For fans, the most frustrating aspect of that fact is that when on the field, Ellerbe’s impact is tangible.
Ellerbe came to the Saints as a plus coverage linebacker, able to mitigate the receiving damage from tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.