Ellis was an immediate impact player. In his rookie season, he recorded 8.5 sacks. Only defensive end Hugh Douglas, with 10 sacks in the 1995 season, ranks higher in Jets history for most sacks by a rookie. After 2001 and 2002 campaigns which saw his overall numbers drop, Ellis rebounded in the 2003 season with an impressive 12.5 sacks. Ellis followed up his 2003 season with 11 sacks in 2004. Ellis anchored a strong Jets run defense which contributed to a 10-6 season and a wild card berth. In Week 17, he recorded three sacks in the final game of the 2004 regular season against the St. Louis Rams.