One of four first-round picks the Jets made in the 2000 NFL draft (12th overall), Ellis came to New York after helping the Tennessee Volunteers win the first BCS National Championship in college football history. Although he tallied 12.5 career sacks for UT, the highlight of his college career was a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Despite playing a rotational role in his rookie season (just three starts), Ellis proved to be an effective pass rusher, tallying 8.5 sacks. He would manage just nine more sacks as a full-time starter over the next two seasons combined, but broke out in 2003.