Jack Kelly Draft Grade | Round 6, Pick 12 | FanVerdicts

Top 29%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Fair Value

Position

LB · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #193 · Day 3 Sleeper

Jack Kelly emerged as a versatile linebacker for BYU over three productive seasons, developing from a raw special teams contributor into a reliable starter in the Cougars' 3-4 base defense. His best attribute is his football IQ and instinctive feel for the game, consistently showing up around the ball with timely tackles and coverage plays. Kelly's motor never stops, displaying the kind of relentless pursuit that coaches love, though his athletic limitations prevent him from being an every-down player at the NFL level. His value projection centers around special teams excellence and depth linebacker duties, with enough coverage ability to contribute in sub-packages.

Strengths

+Exceptional football intelligence allows him to diagnose plays quickly and position himself effectively, rarely caught out of position in run fits or coverage assignments.

+Outstanding tackling fundamentals with excellent form and wrap-up technique, missing very few attempts and delivering consistent, sound tackles in space.

+High motor player who pursues every play with maximum effort, often making tackles from the backside or cleaning up plays outside his primary responsibility.

+Solid coverage linebacker with adequate hip flexibility and footwork to handle tight ends and running backs in man coverage situations.

+Natural leadership qualities and vocal communication skills that help organize the defense and make pre-snap adjustments based on offensive alignment.

+Excellent special teams contributor with the speed and aggression to be a core four player, showing ability to cover kicks and contribute on punt coverage.

+Strong work ethic and preparation habits that allow him to maximize his physical tools through superior technique and game planning.

+Good instincts in zone coverage, showing ability to read quarterback's eyes and break on routes underneath with solid timing and anticipation.

+Physical toughness and durability throughout college career, playing through minor injuries and maintaining consistent performance levels.

+Versatile skill set allows him to play multiple linebacker positions in different packages, providing valuable depth and flexibility for defensive coordinators.

+Solid run defender who sets the edge well and shows good gap discipline, rarely allowing cutback lanes or giving up outside contain.

Competitive fire and intensity that elevates his play in crucial situations, often making his best plays when the stakes are highest.

Weaknesses

-Limited athletic ceiling with below-average speed and change-of-direction ability that will restrict him against elite NFL skill position players in coverage.

-Lacks the ideal length and reach for an NFL linebacker, which can be exploited by taller tight ends and bigger running backs in traffic.

-Pass rush ability is minimal with limited burst off the edge and lack of developed hand techniques to defeat blocks consistently.

-Can be overaggressive at times, leading to missed tackles when he doesn't break down properly or tries to deliver big hits instead of wrapping up.

-Limited range in coverage prevents him from being effective in deep zones or when asked to cover significant ground laterally.

-Size limitations make him vulnerable to being washed out by bigger offensive linemen when they reach the second level on run plays.

-Lacks the explosiveness to be a consistent blitzer, rarely generating pressure when asked to rush from various linebacker positions.

-May struggle with the speed of the NFL game initially, as his processing time, while good, isn't elite and could be exposed at higher level.

NFL Comparison: Nick Vigil

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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