Tag: Joshua Kelley Chargers

Joshua Kelley coming on strong as Chargers’ second running back

It was only a matter of time until the Chargers started to feed Joshua Kelley.

It was only a matter of time until the Chargers not only got their running game going but deciphered Austin Ekeler’s running mate in their win over the Browns.

While Ekeler stole the show with his 172-yard rushing performance, Kelley also raised eyebrows with 49 yards and a touchdown on ten carries. He had big runs of 16 and 12 yards.

In addition, Kelley was effective as a pass-catcher, turning two receptions into 33 yards.

On the ground, Kelley looked exactly like he did during training camp and preseason play: confident, decisive, and explosive.

The play below shows outstanding contact balance from Kelley to shake off an attempted tackle and still stay on his feet to pick up positive yardage.

Kelley had been the shadow of Sony Michel, despite outproducing him statistically (4.2 yards per carry to Michel’s 2.5 YPC). Further, he was more efficient as a pass protector and made more extensive contributions on special teams.

But on Sunday, the script was flipped. Kelley tallied 12 touches to Michel’s one, an indicator that Los Angeles finally has the backup backfield situation figured out.

As for rookie Isaiah Spiller, the jury is still out for the fourth-round pick. Spiller has yet to make his regular-season debut. Brandon Staley said he is fully healthy but needs to prove himself on special teams.

Given that Michel did not produce in the backup role and has not taken a special teams snap this season, it’s only suitable to activate Spiller and give him some touches to see what they have in him, right? We shall see.

The bottom line is that Kelley finding his footing in Year 3 is a positive sign for the Chargers as they look to maintain a balance between their passing game and running game.

Scouting report, highlights of Chargers fourth-round pick RB Joshua Kelley

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the scouting report on new Los Angeles Chargers RB Joshua Kelley.

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

Scouting report, highlights of Chargers fourth-round pick RB Joshua Kelley

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the scouting report on new Los Angeles Chargers RB Joshua Kelley.

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

POLL: Grade Chargers’ selection of RB Joshua Kelley

Do you like the Los Angeles Chargers’ fourth-round pick RB Joshua Kelley?

The Chargers solidified the backfield with the selection of former UCLA running back Joshua Kelley in the fourth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The fact that Los Angeles addressed the running back position before offensive tackle, wide receiver or cornerback was head-scratching for many fans.

However, coach Anthony Lynn has made the point that he wants to establish the run game. Kelley offers a powerful and productive back who will be able to do more than just produce in short yardage situations.

He possesses the possesses quickness, burst, lateral agility, contact balance along with passing game ability to gain yards. If he refines his pass-blocking technique, he has the opportunity to become a feature back eventually.

I give the selection of Kelley a B+. Chargers fans, what do you think of the selection?

[polldaddy poll=10543239]

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ selection of RB Joshua Kelley

The Los Angeles Chargers took a running back at the top of Day 4. How did Twitter react to the pick?

The Chargers caught many off guard with their fourth-round selection.

Rather than taking an offensive tackle, wide receiver or cornerback, Los Angeles drafted a running back with former UCLA product Joshua Kelley at No. 112 overall.

Here is a look at some of the reactions to the pick via Twitter: