Ryan Kelly Drafted 18th Overall By Indianapolis Colts
University of Alabama center Ryan Kelly is the 18th pick in the 1st round of the 2016 NFL draft for the Indianapolis Colts.
ICYMI: Alabama On Top Of The World – Literally
Earlier this week, Alabama’s first-team-all-SEC center Ryan Kelly was reported to be on the short list for practically every organization in the league.
Stampede Blue stated that the Colts were looking for a center, and Kelly was in their line of sight to fill the position. Pride of Troit touted the big man up front as the Lions’ “top want”, and even as late as Wednesday, ESPN discussed how Ryan would be a “great fit” with Washington Redskins line coach Bill Callahan.
It was, in fact, the Colts who ultimately won out, and made a truly stellar pick with Bama’s Ryan Kelly. Kelly will no doubt be excellent pass protection up front for Indy’s solid workhorse, quarterback Andrew Luck.
According to his draft profile on NFL.com, Kelly has a long list of strengths and very few areas of weakness.
PRO: BIG AND TOUGH
At 6’4″, 311 lbs, Kelly is a formidable opponent on the line and is quick to “secure and maintain his position” on the field. Kelly didn’t allow a single sack in the entire 2015 season, and with slow-ass Jacob Coker at QB, that’s impressive. (Love ya, Jake, but it’s true).
Over and over, scouts discuss his “grit”, “fight”, and “mental toughness”, no doubt a product of the Crimson Tide’s “make their ass quit” mentality.
CON: NOT BIG ENOUGH?
Believe it or not, some scouts say that Kelly needs to GAIN weight and “beef up” his frame to match up against a strong NFL defense. I’m not sure how a 311 lb man can get any bigger and still stay quick off the line, but this was one of the actual cons listed on his report, so…there you have it.
PRO: FAST AND SMART
Kelly is explosive down low and rarely penalized. In fact, he committed just 1 penalty in 1012 snaps and had ZERO holding calls. He is also known as a strong finisher eager to wreak havoc on double-team blocks.
Not only was Kelly able to secure his own assignments while playing for Alabama, he was also able to open up holes for the Tide to roll on the ground via the likes of running backs Kenyan Drake and 2015 Heisman winner Derrick Henry.
CON: OCCASIONALLY MAKES MISTAKES
Practically every comment related to a weakness in Kelly’s playing or show at the combine includes a conditional word. He is so consistent in his skill that scouts really have to get picky to find anything he could improve.
Ryan occasionally will drop his head into a run block, which can cause him to lose sight of his target. He also doesn’t move as forcefully with his head up. Kelly might have some difficulty with larger interior defensemen, and once in a while he is so committed to his block that he doesn’t see stealthy linebacker slip behind him.
PRO: PEDIGREE AND OFF-THE FIELD BEHAVIOR
Having been a part of Bama’s incredibly successful program, including the starting center for the 2015 national championship team, Ryan is viewed as an undisputed leader and the number one choice at center in this year’s entire draft class. Kelly is a regular visitor at hospitals, elementary schools, and Habitat For Humanity builds and events. He had a visible role in the cleanup efforts following the April 27, 2011 tornado that destroyed much of Tuscaloosa.
CON:
Ummm…. I got nothin’.
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Congratulations to Ryan Kelly on his #18 draft position. Bama fans everywhere will be cheering you on at the next level and wishing you the greatest of success. The Colts and the people of Indianapolis are lucky to have you. RTR.