Grady Kelly, IDL, Florida State
Size:
Height: 6’2” (v) | Weight: 299 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Grady Kelly is an active and versatile defensive lineman whose game continues to evolve along the defensive front.”
Strengths:
Anchor vs. run
Hand usage
Concerns:
Pad level
Athleticism
Pass-rush repertoire
Twitch
Film Analysis:
Grady Kelly is an active and versatile defensive lineman whose game continues to evolve along the defensive front. Primary a 3-tech defensive lineman, but he has experience bumping out to 5-tech and as a wide-9 rusher.
Against the run, Grady plays with good leverage and effort. He does a nice job of establishing leverage and has shown the ability to work his frame vertical and into the backfield (nine TFLs during his time at Colorado State). Will pursue from the backside and is a strong tackler. Average athleticism but is good inside the confines of the tackle box. Anchor does need to improve both in isolated situations and when countering double teams. Showcases the ability to stack/shed at times with consistency.
As a pass rusher, Kelly can rush from a variety of alignments but requires work in a variety of areas to become a consistent threat from the interior. He does not explode off the snap nor does Kelly utilize his hands consistently—as he does in the run game—to establish leverage or counter punches from linemen. Reduces angles nicely when working around defensive ends on stunts and has showcased the ability to finish off sacks when awarded the opportunity. Lack of length and strength are evident when asked to rush against larger, more technically refined opponents.
Overall, Kelly’s multi-phase contributions (blocked kick on his resume) and ability on early downs showcase a player who could earn an opportunity in an NFL camp.
Prospect Projection: Priority UDFA
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Boise State (2023), Colorado (2023), Washington State (2023)
