Stanford has produced its share of NFL cornerbacks, and Kyu Blu Kelly appears to be the latest standout cornerback coming to the league. He made my all-underrated team this summer upon my entry here to Draft Blitz, but his talent is that of a cornerback who is typically drafted on day two. His place in the NFL is as a man coverage corner, perhaps even good enough now to play as a CB2 somewhere in the league. I like what he brings, there is still considerable upside to his game, and he’s going to be a solid player in the league.
HT: 6005
WT: 185
Year: Super Junior
High School: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV)
Rating: 3-star (0.8668)
Kyu Blu Kelly scouting notes
Pros:
- Solid speed. Should test under a 4.50.
- Strong upper body that’s evident immediately.
- Shows solid stop-and-go ability to change direction and adjust to the new threat.
- Decent tackler. He will help effectively in run defense.
- Excellent man coverage ability, especially while working downfield. Smart, physical defender. Fights to keep positioning.
- Can catch the ball through contact. Plays the catch point very well.
- Strong in off-coverage as well. Reacts well. Prefers playing hips to the outside and trying to keep the receiver between him and the sideline.
- Very physical. He leans on this aspect of his game.
- Good zone ability. Positions himself well.
Cons:
- He doesn’t have a great wrap-up form but effectively makes the tackle. He Misses a lot of tackles by lowering his head – needs to fix that.
- Not a consistent defender in space.
- Tends to under pursue slightly. Needs to shore up those pursuit angles.
- Doesn’t do well adjusting when the route breaks inside.
- Despite his physical nature, he tends to get dominated when he goes to the jam technique.
