Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Kyu Blu Kelly
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Stanford
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Height-6’1″
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Weight-186 lbs
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Fourth-year senior
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3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
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Stats: 470 tackles, 111 solo, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, 21 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries
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Games watched: Arkansas 2022, Georgia 2022, Kentucky 2022, Alabama 2022
Strengths
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
One of the first things I noticed about Kelly was how low he stays in his stance to give him more explosiveness when he needs to change direction quickly. It allows him to click and close quickly, something he does really well, especially in the running game.
Kelly is most comfortable playing in press coverage. He displays good hand placement consistently. Kelly stays in phase well and stays in phase, especially in short spaces.
Another thing that helps him in short spaces are his fluid hips. Change of direction is easy for Kelly, as is tackling. He is willing to get in and fill rushing lanes.
Weaknesses
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Long speed is a question with Kelly. He got stacked by Jordan Addison who is likely to run in the 4.5’s. He allows himself to get stacked too easily in coverage.
His strength is also an issue. He gets bullied and pushed off his spot by receivers far too easily.
Overview
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
|
Man |
8.3/10 |
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Zone |
7.9/10 |
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Hips/Fluidity |
8.2/10 |
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Recognition |
13.0/15 |
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Quickness |
8.1/10 |
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Run Support |
8.2/10 |
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Speed |
7.7/10 |
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Recovery |
8.0/10 |
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Tackling |
4.1/5 |
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Ball Skills |
7.8/10 |
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Grade |
81.3/100 Second Round |
I don’t quite know what his upside is at the next level, but Kelly feels like a solid CB2 and someone you want to have in your cornerback room. Taking him on day two feels like the sweet spot and with the depth in this class, could end up pushing him down further than normal.
Story originally appeared on Vikings Wire