BIOGRAPHY
Kaden Elliss was born July 10, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is a linebacker in the NFL. He played college football at Idaho. Elliss was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 244th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Elliss was named Utah High School Athletic Association Most Valuable Player in 2013 after leading Judge to its first state championship in 30 seasons as the team's starting quarterback and defensive end. He earned the 3A Most Valuable Player award from The Deseret News. As quarterback, Elliss threw for 714 yards and nine touchdowns, added 921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. On defense Elliss registered 52 tackles and one interception. He was an honor roll member throughout high school.
Elliss had a breakout season as a true freshman at Idaho. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 83 – just four shy of team leader Broc Westlake. Elliss had 66 solo stops and 17 assists as well as eight tackles for loss (-27 yards), four quarterback hurries (second on the team) and one sack (-10 yards).
As a sophomore, Elliss was named as an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention. He expanded his role as a defensive leader and dominating player. Elliss finished the season with 65 total tackles and was fourth on the team with eight tackles for loss. He led all FBS linebackers with five interceptions, ranking second on the team and fourth in the Sun Belt. Elliss also had two fumble recoveries and intercepted two passes, including one returned for a touchdown at UNLV – a pivotal game in the Vandals’ turnaround in 2016. Elliss had four solo tackles in Idaho’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over Colorado State.
As a junior, Elliss started all 12 games and was named second-team All-Sun Belt at linebacker. He ranked third in the conference with 16 tackles for loss and led the conference with 15 solo tackles for loss. Elliss recorded six sacks, second on the team and fifth in the conference, blocked an extra point against Appalachian State (Oct. 14) and forced two fumbles. He also played on offense at tight end and wide receiver.He recorded seven receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Elliss was the first FBS player to record a sack and a touchdown reception in the same game since 2013, accomplishing the feat twice. He was named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List prior to the season.
As a senior, Elliss was named All-Big Sky First Team. He started all 11 games and was the team leader with 16 tackles for loss and had a career-high seven sacks. Elliss ranked second in the Big Sky in TFLs and third in sacks. He recorded 60 tackles, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Elliss finished his Vandal career with 47 tackles for loss (fifth all-time) and 289 tackles (13th all-time).
Elliss signed a three year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on March 13, 2022.
