Year after year there are players taken in the NFL Draft that greatly exceed expectations. The beauty of the draft that it’s not only about the big names and potential superstars, it’s also about those who carve a niche to find a home in the NFL.
Every team needs draft steals to sure up their roster and to find solid players that can play immediately.
Detroit native and former Oak Park star, John Kelly is one is looking to join that next lineage of draft steals.
Oftentimes hidden gems rise as some of the best players in the NFL Draft time and time again. This year is no different as some unheralded prospects will join the latest lineage of steals in draft history.
The former Tennessee Volunteer is a Swiss-army knife that new-age offenses covet. Much like his Volunteer predecessor, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara, Kelly has the ability make an immediate impact. His ability to play a role in the running and passing game increases his chances of having success.
Kelly displayed that he’s capable of being a tough runner despite having a smallish stature. In addition to his running skills, his receiving skills is what separates him from the other backs in his class. Kelly tallied 37 receptions for 299 yards.
While his numbers may not compare to Penn State’s Saquon Barkley’s or Georgia’s Nick Chubb or Sony Michel, Kelly can be just as versatile—if used correctly.
Throughout his tenure at Tennesse, Kelly played at a high level in the SEC, which is one of college football’s toughest conferences. That goes to say that he can play against any level of competition.
While it’s in unknown now, in just a few Kelly will achieve a life-long dream of playing in the NFL. He may not have the notoriety of some of his peers, but like Kareem Hunt, Jordan Howard, and the aforementioned Alvin Kamara, he has a chance to be one of the steals in the 2018 NFL Draft.
