Bills Select WR Kelly in SBNation Mock Draft
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With the eleventh overall selection in the 2008 SBNation NFL Mock Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly. With nearly half (49%) of the Buffalo Rumblings readers that voted (nearly 400 participants) in favor of Kelly, the junior eligible was a shoo-in over Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas, who received 25% of the vote.
Want to know more about Malcolm Kelly? Join the club. Here's what we know about the young man right now; keep in mind that Kelly has an ultra-important workout ahead of him when Oklahoma holds their Pro Day on April 9.
MALCOLM KELLY - WR - OKLAHOMA
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 225
40 Time: We all wish we knew this
Junior
STRENGTHS: Chain Chugger
- An extremely physical receiver... Has outstanding hands and is probably the most natural receiver available in this class... Extremely adept at catching the ball in traffic... Has great field awareness, knows how to position his body and can make the spectacular catch along the sideline... Possesses great footwork... Tough to bring down once he catches the ball; looks for contact after the catch rather than running around guys... Has good balance, allowing him to keep running after contact... Very adept at beating the jam... Gives great effort as a run blocker; The Sporting News calls him "one of the most competitive blocking receivers our scouts have ever graded"... Excellent possession-type receiver that has the ability to make big plays.
WEAKNESSES: Durability
- Has dealt with his fair share of injuries, most prominently to his knees... Timed speed is questionable at this point... Runs upright in the open field, limiting his home run speed... Needs to become more concise in his route-running, where he tends to round off his routes... Has good acceleration, but lacks the burst to beat a corner every snap... Is a deep threat due to his size, but won't out-run corners.
NFL COMPARISON: Anquan Boldin, Arizona
- Check out the video linked in Boldin's name. Then watch the Kelly highlight video at the bottom of this post. You'll see similarities - both are physical guys with a nose for the end zone, but like Kelly, Boldin lacks home run speed (a big reason he was drafted in the second round - bet there are some teams that are miffed they passed on him). Boldin even runs similarly (a.k.a. high) in the open field like Kelly does. These players are very, very similar, even down to being nicked up frequently. If Kelly can develop into a Boldin-type player, it's a win for the Bills.
DOES HE FIT THE "BILL"? Yes.
- How long has it been since the Buffalo Bills have employed a hard-working physical wide receiver? Eric Moulds was the last name that was able to do any of the things that Kelly can do, especially in the run blocking department. Buffalo employs a physical rushing attack, and Kelly's run-blocking makes him an ideal fit on the outside in that type of offense. Any way the Bills can add more physicality to their offense is a good thing, especially when it comes to the passing game. Would immediately give QB Trent Edwards an intermediate threat to move the chains, and can be an over-the-middle presence for a receiving corps sorely lacking in that department. Kelly's potential outweighs question marks at this point, especially when considering Buffalo's dire need for talent at wide receiver.
FINAL GRADE: 9.0 out of 10
OK. Let's hear it. I know what the prevalent attitude toward wide receiver in general is amongst y'all, so let's table those discussions for, oh, every other draft-related thread we bring up. Let's talk about Kelly specifically. What do you like about him? What worries you? Let's hear it, folks. (And make sure to leave your thoughts on the selection in general over at Mocking the Draft.)
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72 comments
Comments
Fine
However, if this is how the Bills do pick, then they will have their reasons and I will let them to it.
by killascript on Apr 3, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Although I would have liked DRC or Derrick Harvey
My only concern with this guy is this: "How often will Kelly be on the field to use his skill set?" Nobody knows.
Just for the record, I have reservations about taking Devin Thomas because of all the dropped passes. That's not what this offense needs.
by Blitz on Apr 4, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just wanted to share
by Brian Galliford on Apr 3, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey
That was November, I was still expecting our DE's to not look like walking corpses. I still think we need a top WR, but I'm not as sold on Kelly any more (see injuries), nor do I think one is necessary in round 1.
What was the context of that quote anyhow, and why did you go find it? After that game, I'm sure we all said something similar about every position on the team....haha
by Kurupt on Apr 3, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ;)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 3, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here you go
by Brian Galliford on Apr 3, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
digging for dirt
by sireric on Apr 3, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
#11 Overall
Sound familiar to anyone?
Just kidding, Brian! LOL!!!
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA!
For the record, I wasn't the one that picked Rucker (that was New Era Scouting way back in January), I just really liked the idea. Still like the player, too. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 3, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now
- Love it. Rucker, pictured at top right, is exactly the type of athletic playmaker we need offensively. Trent Edwards loves using his tight ends (no jokes, please), and Rucker's versatility allows him to line up in the backfield, on the line and in the slot. He truly is a matchup nightmare. He won't be considered a reach at #11 come April.
Haha, that was fun.
by Kurupt on Apr 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kelly
The only reasoning I can see to not take Kelly is if the Bills have an Ace up there sleeve and either believe that some other WR is worth the #11 pick, or they take a CB/DE and then trade back up into the late 1st or early 2nd and grab a WR they have targeted like they did with Poz and McCargo in the last 2 drafts.
I will admit. Seeing Kelly in a Bills uniform, making plays, really gets my juices flowing.
by MARVelous on Apr 3, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NFL.com scouting report
Analysis
Positives: Has a solid build with good upper-body muscle definition, long arms and legs, big thighs and calves, good bubble, tight skin and room to carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk without having the additional weight impact his foot speed...Big-time playmaker who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and must be accounted for at all times...Tough receiver who isn't afraid to take a hit...Has very large, natural hands with decent deep speed (more quick than fast), as his long legs and running stride let him consistently eat up the cushion and get behind the defensive back...Has the outstanding ability to change direction in an instant, doing a good job of adjusting his body to off-target tosses...Combines good strength and burst to beat the jam and elude tacklers...Displays the natural ability to catch with his hands extended outside the frame...Aggressive cut blocker who won't back down and thrives when he gets the ball in pressure situations...Fights for the ball along the sideline, keeping his feet inbounds...Has super quickness off the snap and into his routes, showing good precision in his breaks...Might lack explosion, but he comes off the line with good power and finesse, as he stays under control through his patterns, running sharp, crisp routes and using his strength and size to bust through the jam...Can gain ground and separate in space...Shows no wasted movement, as he is effective at dropping his weight getting into his patterns, which is surprising to see as most tall receivers don't have the fluid hips or elusiveness that Kelly displays...Does a good job of reading coverage and adjusting in his routes, especially when working underneath...Has the ability to pull away from second-level defenders after the catch, using his strength to break arm tackles...Alert to pocket pressure, showing urgency working back to the ball...Solid short-area receiver that gets his head around quickly to locate the ball, remaining focused going for the ball in a crowd, as he knows how to use his frame to shield defenders...Plucks and secures the ball with ease and can take a hit and hold on to the ball working through traffic (knows how to use his height and long arms to his advantage)...Lacks suddenness in his initial step, but he has the quickness to separate, can fade into the open area and easily track the ball in flight...Even though he is a big target, he can bend, reach and jump for the ball while staying in control and maintaining his stride (has better ability to adjust in his intermediate and deep routes than in the short area)...Finds the ball in flight quickly and has the flexibility to adjust to it in the air...With his long arms and explosive leaping, he will win most jump balls...Shows elusiveness and strength after the catch, as he can either make the first defender miss or run through arm tackles...Good position blocker to seal off and shows proper hand placement to sustain blocks.
Negatives: Lacks the short steps and quick feet, but does get good depth in his route progression with his long stride...Perhaps a product of the team's reliance on its ground game, he will disappear for long stretches...A good blocker, he is basically a non-factor without the ball in his hands...Will usually run crisp routes but he will glide out of his breaks, possibly because of the hip pointer he suffered vs. Oklahoma State...Keeps his head on a swivel to locate the ball, but is more effective as a receiver in the open field, as he does not show the same burst as smaller receivers when catching in the short area...Not really an explosive player, but does use his body lean and initial contact strike to create separation.
Compares To: LARRY FITZGERALD-Arizona...Like Fitzgerald, Kelly takes advantage of his size and strength to break arm tackles rather than trying to get fancy with moves when trying to separate. Both have some of the best natural hands in the game, as Kelly was charted with only one dropped pass in the last two years. Perhaps due to the team's reliance on the running game, he will disappear for stretches on the field. But when he gets into that rhythm he will catch everything in site. Some teams might prefer Indiana's James Hardy, but Kelly is a more natural receiver and comes with no off-field baggage. Could be a perfect fit in Cincinnati with Carson Palmer if Cincinnati trades Chad Johnson.
Injury Report
- Suffered a slight concussion vs. Texas A&M (11/04)...Left the Fiesta Bowl (1/01/07) in the first quarter with cartilage damage in his knee, undergoing surgery that kept him sidelined for 2007 spring camp.
- Suffered a hip pointer on the first series of the Oklahoma State clash (11/24) and saw just a few snaps in that contest...Suffered a leg contusion early in the first quarter vs. West Virginia (1/02/08) in the Fiesta Bowl and did not return to the game.
by MARVelous on Apr 3, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
excellent info
by poz on Apr 4, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Malcolm Kelly
I've also stated that great wide receivers must be able to catch. Kelly catches everything in site. He attacks the ball in the air. Outstanding catching radius. Kelly can be open without getting separation.
Along with Lee Evans, I think the Bills would have one of, if not the, best tandem of "catching" wide receivers in the league. Both Evans and Kelly possess tremendous hand strength.
Kelly is not in the elite class of Calvin Johnson (taken #2 overall in 2007), Roy Williams (#7 in 2004), and Andre Johnson (#3 in 2003). I actually think that Kelly is more comparable to Larry Fitzgerald (#3 in 2004) than Anquan Boldin (ironically they play for the same team). Either way, it's a great complement. While Kelly lacks Fitzgerald's polish and production coming into the NFL, they are similar in competing for and catching the ball in traffic. Kelly may be a little faster than Fitzgerald and Boldin. Boldin is a tremendous YAC receiver; I don't think that Kelly is as good as Boldin after the catch.
Go Bills!
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's so funny
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOw
Actually the more I research this dang draft and the #11 pick, the more flustered I get! I just love taking a WR. Which one, I'm not so sure yet.
by MARVelous on Apr 3, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anquan Boldin
If I had to find a comparison for Kelly I think I'd go with Plaxico. Both are good hands catchers, go up and get it, and seem to enjoy the stiff arm. Maybe a poor man's Larry Fitz is a good comparison as well.
Is it just me, or does Limas Sweed seem so much faster than Kelly? I really am starting to like Sweed all over again. I'm bumping Thomas back to 3rd with Sweed/Kelly fighting for my poll position.
by Kurupt on Apr 3, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Another great mind : )
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like we have company too
by Kurupt on Apr 3, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be great
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see Burress
by killascript on Apr 4, 2008 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re: Kelly/Boldin comparison
Boy, I wouldn't! Thomas compared to Boldin? Thomas isn't nearly as physical as Boldin is in his running style; Thomas is more based on speed and acceleration, whereas Boldin is a physical runner with great balance. Kelly's not exactly like Boldin after the catch, but they both have similar running styles and similar physicality. I'd say Thomas is more like Terrell Owens in that he's fast, can take a short throw for a huge gain based on his acceleration and apparently has questionable hands.
I don't mind the Burress comparison, though - that's pretty accurate as well.
I guess the Kelly/Fitzgerald comparison is OK, but I still think he's more physical than Fitzgerald. Kelly got by on pure talent at Oklahoma, but if he's going to be a great starter in this league, he'll need to be physical and aggressive. I view Fitz as more of a complete package receiver than Kelly.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 4, 2008 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Malcolm Kelly is more like Larry Fitzgerald
Malcolm Kelly is the player I voted for in the poll so I'm not going to disagree with your selection there, Brian.
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's a question....
With that said, it seems to me that Devin Thomas would work better with Edwards, based on his scouting reports.
Should Edwards talents (or lack of) be considered when they pick a WR?
by krytime on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Edwards talents (or lack of)
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards
by Ron From NM on Apr 3, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
However, I am not...yet.
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh god...
I HATE the WCO.
I HATE a conservative offense.
and I HATE to think that Edwards is going to get the benefit of the doubt that Losman never got... (well okay I don't hate that, actually I like that, but it just makes be so frusturated how much JP got jerked around in his time in Buffalo. I hope the God they don't do that with trent. maybe i HATE it becuase it reminds me of their past miserable failures?)
oh, and did I mention I HATE dick jauron? I don't want to see him fired becuase I think the front office has put a good team together and changing head coaches would just be a disasterous set back, but that doesn't mean I have to like him.
by jri111 on Apr 3, 2008 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards
Does Edwards have the talent to excel in a vertical passing scheme? Can Edwards force defenses to defend every area of the field and make defenses fear him? Can you say "limitations"?
by Fort Worth on Apr 4, 2008 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boy, who pissed in your cheerios today?
How did this turn into an Edwards debate? I've specifically tried to avoid QB threads... :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 4, 2008 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah really John
by sireric on Apr 4, 2008 6:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards - I'm with you, too
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
I'm not saying that Edwards won't be a great QB.
I have, and I could, go on forever about this topic.
I hope I am wrong. If I am wrong, I will be very happily wrong because that will likely mean that Edwards will be one the elite and one of the most feared QB's in the game.
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he proves us wrong, too
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will never be confident in Edwards
by Kurupt on Apr 3, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like #5.
by krytime on Apr 3, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards
In the passing game, if Edwards can't make big plays with his arm, then the Bills must get the receivers to make the big plays.
Does Edwards' talent (or lack of) limit player interest and acquisitions, as well as how good the offense and the team can become?
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a wider perspective
To answer your question: Yes. Everything revolves around the quarterback. The QB performance affects everything on the team. That's why it's so important to get it right. Limitations? I've been harping on this for a long time.
by Fort Worth on Apr 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards will be fine..
by krytime on Apr 3, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah.......Kelly....yeah.....Kelly........yeahhhhh
by Joe P. on Apr 3, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
fitzgerald
by MARVelous on Apr 3, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wretched highlight reel music
by Ron From NM on Apr 3, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
edwards
Edwards has a 100 miles to go to be anything in this league. But just running Lynch and punting the ball and lacking scoring is something I can't continue to see! Gotta just keep adding talent and hope that Edwards matures faster and more efficiently than JP ever did
by MARVelous on Apr 3, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny thing about the polls
by jj24 on Apr 3, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Newb holla, and comment on draft.
by Daz28 on Apr 4, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome!
Given the conditions of this Mock Draft (players to choose from and the rules), my choice boils down to 5 primary considerations:
- Wide receiver is the Bills' greatest need.
- Of the 5 players to choose from, I think Malcolm Kelly would provide the most immediate impact.
- I think great cornerbacks are more difficult to find than great wide receivers. There's almost always "next year" for a chance to get another great receiver. I don't think the same can be said for a great cornerback. I think that great wide receivers must be able to catch and great cornerbacks must be able to cover. However, receivers have an easier job than cornerbacks do. It's easier to run forward than run backward. Receivers know where they are going to run, cornerbacks don't. The rules of the game favor the receivers. The theory that great cornerbacks (those with the ability to cover) are not required in the Cover 2, combined with the idea that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is not a perfect fit for Buffalo's zone defense, are some of the reasons why I like Rodgers-Cromartie so much. His rare talent would provide the Bills' defense uncommon flexibility and versatility and allow them to do things that other defenses simply can't do.
- Of the 5 players to choose from, I think Rodgers-Cromartie has the highest ceiling. Kelly, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, and Mike Jenkins have plenty of upside, too. However, I think that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has the most upside, primarily due to his rare combination of size, closing speed, hip flexibility, change of direction, quickness, instincts, jumping ability, and ball skills.
- I don't like the idea of "must win in 2008" or else be subject to more coach and roster turnover. I am concerned that the general lack of patience and stability among front offices, coaches, players, and fans around the NFL could be hurting the league. Unfortunately, this type of pressure prevents teams from doing what is best for the long haul. The focus of the draft should not be to get the players that will provide the most immediate impact, but to acquire the best talent and build the roster for the future.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
- Malcolm Kelly
- Devin Thomas
- Limas Sweed
- Mike Jenkins
by Fort Worth on Apr 4, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
patience
by poz on Apr 4, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome indeed
by Brian Galliford on Apr 4, 2008 6:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DRC vs. Kelly
by labill on Apr 4, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't go Emmitt Smith on us...
by Ron From NM on Apr 4, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and smells nice, too.
by sireric on Apr 4, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the smell
by Joe P. on Apr 4, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Only
by labill on Apr 4, 2008 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guns and nerdy word play
by Ron From NM on Apr 4, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
flintlocks & scrabble
by sireric on Apr 4, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we are taking a WR
by SP on Apr 4, 2008 2:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
then tell him
by Joe P. on Apr 4, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SICK (ill) or SICK (good)?
by Fort Worth on Apr 4, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I assume the latter
by Joe P. on Apr 4, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well...
and just for brian, a devin thomas youtube highlight reel:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AHbkz0IMIeA
produced - apparently - by everyone's favorite commercial toolkit, "yeezy".
just what is it with kanye west and college football highlights anyway?
i digress. from their highlights, it looks like kelly produces the more favorable matchups consistently, and makes more difficult grabs. thomas just looks like he burns everyone - which he probably won't be able to do consistently in the pros.
by sri on Apr 4, 2008 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Highlights
by Kurupt on Apr 4, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
except for that ridiculous grab
by sri on Apr 4, 2008 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Malcolm Kelly
I will even send the check to Brian Galliford beforehand to show how serious I am and Brian can send it back to me when I'm right.
Any takers?
by 1eyedpirate on Apr 4, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why does it have to be for money?
by jj24 on Apr 4, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aesop?
by Ron From NM on Apr 4, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No money bets
by sireric on Apr 4, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds Fair
by 1eyedpirate on Apr 6, 2008 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Malcomb Kelly has a terrible pro day
So basically, slow, can't jump, but is kinda quick
by buffaloboy90 on Apr 9, 2008 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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