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NFL Draft Profile: Chad Kelly QB, Ole Miss

By Joe Schiller

Nov 5, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) drops back to pass against Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) drops back to pass against Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Chad Kelly be an option for the Baltimore Ravens in the draft?

The Baltimore Ravens have the opportunity to take a chance on a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft and Chad Kelly could be that person.

Kelly began his career at Clemson, but was kicked off the team for disciplinary reasons. Once kicked off he spent a year at community college before transferring to Ole Miss. In his first season with the Rebels Kelly put up some big numbers. He finished the season with 4042 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. The team finished with a 10-3 record, including a 48-20 win over Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl.

The next season, injuries came into play. After starting out the season 3-5, Kelly suffered a major knee injury in a game against Georgia Southern. The diagnosis was a torn ACL and meniscus, which put an end to his 2016 season. Even though he missed the final three games of the season, Kelly finished with 2758 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

Strengths:

  • Big arm: can sling the ball down field
  • Athletic
  • Shows up and plays well in big games.
  • Can hurt you on ground

Weaknesses:

  • Can be very inconsistent at times
  • Poor decision making on/off field
  • Has previous knee injuries

Joe Flacco’s replacement?

Joe Flacco cannot be the Baltimore Raven’s quarterback forever. He is already at the age of 32 and if he continues to play poorly, his time could come to an end shortly. Eventually the Ravens are going to need to look at a replacement. Off the field issues are a concern for Chad Kelly, but going to an organization like the Ravens would be beneficial. There are leaders in the front office, on the coaching staff, and in the locker room who could mentor him.

If the Ravens were to bring in a quarterback, they would not have to play right away. Joe Flacco will most likely be around for the next couple of seasons baring any major injuries or dramatic changes. This gives a young quarterback like Kelly the opportunity to come in and learn. There is no pressure to start playing right away. With his knee injury, Kelly can learn the ropes of the offensive and give enough time for his knee to fully heal.

Where will he land?

It is really hard to say with this one.  According to NFL.com, Kelly received a seventh round draft grade back when the injury occurred. Since he suffered the knee injury, he is still in the process of rehab. This prevented him from showcasing his talent at the Senior Bowl. Kelly was also not invited to the NFL Combine. I would project that he would land some where in the late rounds. If teams are desperate for a quarterback he could be taken earlier.

If teams shy away from Chad Kelly, it might not be because of his injury history, but because of some red flags off of the field. In October of last year, a video showed Kelly running on to the field at a high school football game after a brawl broke out. The brawl occurred from a hit on Kelly’s brother. Another incident took place in November when a Snapchat photo of Kelly showed him and friends with Marijuana.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Complete Analysis Of First Two Rounds

Chad Kelly will be a risk reward pick for an NFL team. If he is put in the right situation by the right team, I think he can definitely produce in the NFL.

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