To get familiar with the Chargers’ fourth-round selection running back Joshua Kelly, here is my pre-draft scouting report along with game highlights.
Joshua Kelley | UCLA | #27 | Senior | Los Angeles, CA | 5105 | 212
40-Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
Bench Press: 23 reps
Vertical Jump: 31 inches
Broad Jump: 121 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.95 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.28 seconds
Career: Over his 43 games, Kelley rushed 647 times for 3,442 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also amassed 38 receptions for 264 yards and a score. First team All-Pac-12 in 2019 and Senior Bowl invitee.
Red Flags: N/A
Strengths: Solidly balanced and built to absorb hits without slowing down. Accelerates quickly out of his cuts to clear the first wave of defenders. Enough quickness to out-pace defenses when given room. Trusts his blockers and the design of the play, running square to the line of scrimmage. Even though he was limited, good receiver out of the backfield. Hardly ever puts the ball on the ground.
Weaknesses: Upright runner, doesn’t have breakaway speed. Methodical cuts between the tackles, lacking natural explosion in short-areas. Lacks creativity in space. Technique in pass protection needs work.
Final Word: Kelley possesses quickness, burst, lateral agility, contact balance along with passing game ability to make defenders respect him, but he lacks breakaway speed and needs refinement in pass protection, projecting as an NFL starter by Year 2.
Fit Likelihood: Medium
Final Grade: 3rd Round