Every year, the Chargers have a Day 3 selection that always outperforms people’s expectations in Year 1. In 2019, it was linebacker Drue Tranquill who raised eyebrows.
Could fourth-round selection, running back Joshua Kelley be the player that makes the most noise?
In a recent piece by Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, he wrote about every team’s impact rookie for the 2020 season. For the Bolts, it was Kelley as he is no-nonsense runner who immediately gives the backfield a more physical presence.
The 212-pound back isn’t simply a short-yardage specialist. His 4.49-second 40-yard-dash speed also makes him a home-run threat.
Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn views the rookie as a potential Pro Bowl talent.
“We feel like he can get to that point, I can tell you that,” Lynn said, per Chris Hayre of the team’s official site.
For some, it may be surprising to not see linebacker Kenneth Murray here given the fact that he’s the only one of the team’s six selections who is seen as an immediate starter.
For the rest of the draft class, there will be a competition to earn one of the spots, and that includes Kelley.
Kelley joins a talented backfield that consists of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. Even though the running back position needed to be addressed heading into the draft, the position was filled a lot earlier than many were anticipating.
After Melvin Gordon left in free agency to join AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, the feature back role is up in the air. Ekeler, who signed a four-year contract extension, is capable of manning that, but the Chargers like to use his pass-catching abilities in the slot or out wide, too.
Jackson showed a lot of promise when he touched the ball the past couple of seasons, but he dealt with an injury in 2019 that kept him off the field for the majority of the year.
Insert Kelley.
I mentioned before that Kelley is only being seen as just a short-yardage specialist by many, but I believe he’s going to be used more than that.
While Kelley has the power to run through defenders, which would come in handy in those situations, he also has good change-of-direction, vision, burst, decent speed and passing game ability to make an impact on any down.
Kelley showed that he is capable of taking on a big load for UCLA in 2018 and 2019, receiving 225 and 229 touches, respectively. However, he made the most with them, posting 1,000-plus rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in both seasons.
For someone that has that type of production and was taken that high over other positions of need like offensive tackle, wide receiver or cornerback, they’re certainly seen as more than just a bruiser.
I expect the Chargers to have a committee approach for their backfield early on in the season, but for them to give the majority of the load to Kelley eventually.
“My work ethic is impeccable,” Kelley said about what the Chargers are getting. “I love the game of football. I’m extremely passionate about it. I’m a consistent runner. Consistency is the key. I’m always looking to get North-South. I like to keep my feet churning after contact. I don’t fumble the ball. I have great ball security.
You’re getting a guy that truly loves the game. I’m competitive and consistent. I’m gonna give it my all for whichever organization I end up with. I’ll embrace any and every opportunity I get. I’m a silly guy (laughs). I have a lot of personality but I take this game very seriously. I’m very excited for what’s next.”