Kevin

Ellison

Ellison originally told police the fire was accidental, then later admitted he set his apartment ablaze “because God told him to do so,” using a marijuana cigar. Ellison, 25, spent last season with the Spokane Shock of the arena league. Ellison was also arrested in May of 2010 for possession of 100 Vicodin pills.

Pulled over for speeding, Ellison was found to have 100 pills of Vicodin. He was released on $10,000 bond. Ellison didn’t have a prescription, so he’s probably lucky to not have been charged with attempting to distribute. A sixth-round pick in 2009, Ellison finished his rookie year with 48 tackles and nine starts. He’s expected to battle rookie Darrell Stuckey in training camp.

Ellison was found with 100 pills of Vicodin. As a 2009 sixth-round pick that lacks speed, Ellison wasn’t a lock to make the team before this incident. The Chargers drafted safety Darrell Stuckey in the fourth round and also have Steve Gregory. Acee says Ellison may not even make it to training camp now.

Gregory served as the Bolts’ nickel back and third starter at safety last year, struggling in coverage. Stuckey projects as an upgrade there. Still, the Chargers will continue to have one of the shakiest safety situations in the league. We don’t expect much of a bounce-back for their fantasy defense.

This is a particularly good sign for Ellison, who ran poorly at the Combine. We know he can hit, but showing he can run with the Chargers’ tight ends is promising. Ellison will be an IDP sleeper if he beats out Clinton Hart.

The Chargers got themselves into this by talking up Ellison as a rookie starter before he was ever signed. Ellison is now asking for a three-year deal, while the Bolts are offering a usual four-year rookie contract. Ellison is aiming to hit free agency sooner after (he assumes) starting his first three years.

He caved after initially asking for a three-year deal to hit free agency sooner. Ellison exhibited good football instincts at OTAs, but it’s hard to imagine a safety with 4.8 speed emerging as an NFL starter like the Bolts hope.

The hard-hitting Ellison dropped in the draft due health concerns after undergoing three knee surgeries at USC. Hart was one of the worst strong safeties in the league last season, so a strong summer could elevate Ellison into the starting role.

Turner also declared the injury-plagued Ellison 100 percent physically. IDP leaguers should keep an eye on the sixth-rounder this summer.

Bolts GM A.J. Smith doesn’t make many personnel mistakes, but handing Hart a six-year, $18M extension in 2008 was one of them. Hart simply couldn’t cover anyone, loved biting on play-action fakes, and completely lost his confidence. Steve Gregory and rookie Kevin Ellison are options to step in.