Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA - Discussion

[Coachmarkos]

I really didn't think we needed a RB, with Jackson and Ekeler on board already.

But this guy is a bit more between the tackles, power back style...we did need that.

I'll also admit I was hoping for Mikey Daniel in Round 6 or 7, to be our FB and "Power" Running Back... so that's probably part of my disappointment.

Seems like he has some ability, so good luck to him.

[wu-dai clan]

. he is a really good all around RB in that he has good receiving skills and is actually one of the better pass pro RBs. where did you read he is lacking in pass pro?

Could not pull up my source re Pass Pro.
Ourlad's says Kelley is willing.
It should work.
Kelley, Reed and KJ all have good hands.
That I like.

[Bolt-O]

ESPN: Running back depth is always a good thing to have and it's particularly true for the Chargers, who lost Melvin Gordon in free agency. Kelley will fill the role as a change of pace for Austin Ekeler well. Kelley is a solid, all-around back who may never be a star but can help the Chargers win some games. -- Adam Teicher

[SDBORN]

I really didn't think we needed a RB, with Jackson and Ekeler on board already.

But this guy is a bit more between the tackles, power back style...we did need that.

I'll also admit I was hoping for Mikey Daniel in Round 6 or 7, to be our FB and "Power" Running Back... so that's probably part of my disappointment.

Seems like he has some ability, so good luck to him.

I think this definitely just what the doctor ordered. We needed a bigger back. Austin isn't built to carry the load and we just lost Melvin.

Also I like that he isnt as top heavy as Melvin. I think Kelley should have better balance and fewer meetings with the turf monster.

Solid pick.

[Charge!]

Draft Scouting Report:
Rating: 75
Strengths:

• Great vision to find lanes in traffic
• Rapid footwork with instant acceleration
• Comfortable catching the football
• Efficient cuts
• Tested awesomely at combine

Weaknesses:

• Lacking long speed
• Not going to make multiple defenders miss on a given run
• More of a power runner vs. contact balance specialist

It runs like frank gore to me...... gore is not flashy, all he does is keep running forward, breaking tackles and moving the chains..... he will be our main carry the load RB...... Ekler is a change of pace, rotational part time back.....so is jackson who is also kind of fragile.... kelly is tough and can carry the load.... and he is faster than Ekler and Jackson, but not as fast as Reed (who might play some RB in some situations)

[Charge!]

I think this definitely just what the doctor ordered. We needed a bigger back. Austin isn't built to carry the load and we just lost Melvin.

Also I like that he isnt as top heavy as Melvin. I think Kelley should have better balance and fewer meetings with the turf monster.

Solid pick.

agree... and hopefully much less prone to injuries or fumbles or losing yardage...... a gain of zero or 1 yard is way better than a 3-5 yard loss, both physically and psychologically.....

[Heatmiser]

Is he a smaller Michael Turner? I haven’t watched him play, but the descriptions remind me of Turner.

TG

[Steve]

Kelley is the kind of kid who would be a perfect fit for our zone scheme. Just runs to his landmark, cut and go.

Melvin used to get in trouble because he was always hunting for a big play. Worked a bit, but got him in trouble too much. Too many games where we couldn't run later in the game because Melvin was a big loss waiting to happen. Kelley should reduce the number of negative plays, which will keep the running game going later in the game. That is where a lot of the big plays come from.

I keep reading people say he lacks long speed, and I think they just mean a 2nd gear. He hits his mark pretty fast, so I think he is going to get a fair number of long runs. He isn't going to break off a lot of 80 yarders, but it takes at least some luck to have well blocked play that breaks open AND you are deep in your own territory. A long runs require some luck. He just needs to keep banging away and wear down defenses, keep the sticks moving, and the chunk plays will happen.

I also have found a couple of his catches. Normally you can't tell much when his body of work is so small, but he caught a few badly thrown passes and did a nice job of adjusting to them.

[Hadl2Alworth]

Is he a smaller Michael Turner? I haven’t watched him play, but the descriptions remind me of Turner.

TG

Yep, that's who I thought of too.

[Bolt-O]

Finally broke out of the cycle of having a highly drafted RB. I do hope that Kelley is that MG replacement, maybe not the Bell Cow, but a good part of the RB mix.. I agree with Steve, Gordon was trying for the home run, and was just late to the hole. A 1st or 2nd round RB needs to be pro-bowl selected, not just a replacement selection. 3rd and below are just fine for RBs

[ghost]

Joshua Kelley RB - #27 Watch the Chargers' new RB lay the wood to OU #6. As OU's Kenneth Murray looks on.

1:16:00

[Rambler]

Haven't seen this posted yet.

From https://www.profootballnetwork.com/p...0-nfl-draft/7/
Joshua Kelley, RB

Positives: Explosive running back with an underrated game. Possesses tremendous vision, effectively sets up blocks and consistently runs north and south. Quick in a short area, makes defenders miss and has a burst through the hole. Keeps his feet moving, works runs and falls forward when tackled. Instinctive in all aspects. Terrific pass catcher who quickly gets out into the flat, nicely extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame and easily adjusts to the errant throw.

Negatives: Isn’t naturally creative and can’t improvise when things break down. Lacks the speed and quickness to turn the perimeter.

Analysis: Kelley was a productive ball carrier at UCLA the past two years and turned in a sensational week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He’s one of the more underrated players at his position, and Kelly offers possibilities as a situational running back at the next level and could develop into a starter.