2018 Jets Draft Prospect
Name: Kameron Kelly
Position: CB/DB
School: San Diego State
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200 pounds
Stats:
Size:
Kelly’s stature as a big and physical defender is what makes him such an intriguing draft prospect. While it may not reflect on paper, Kelly’s size and length should allow him to match up competitively with some of the league’s bigger, more physical receivers.
Ball Skills:
Another point of interest when examining Kelly’s NFL potential is his ability to track down a ball while maintaining tight coverage. In his final season with the Aztecs, Kelly recorded three interceptions and seven pass breakups. This type of confidence should propel him to be a difference-maker at the next level.
Versatility:
Kelly spent his days at San Diego State playing both corner and safety, where he excelled at both. This type of versatility has allowed him to become an intriguing prospect. Teams understand that Kelly can be plugged in to the secondary in a variety of ways. While his build and athleticism may make him a stronger NFL corner, Kelly has the experience and overall intellect to play in coverage as well.
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Tackling:
The former San Diego State DB may have the strongest hard-hitting ability out of all corners in this draft class. Throughout 2017, Kelly utilized his hard-hitting ability when put up against bubble screens and run plays to the outside. In a way, he demonstrates a lot of similarities to Jamal Adams, who also possesses the ability to tackle in open space. The difference with Kelly is that he has successfully combined that talent with his fluidity as a corner.
Jets Fit:
It’s to no avail that the Jets need upgrades at cornerback. In 2017, the team had inconsistency at the position with Morris Claiborne and Buster Skrine unable to maintain solid coverage against some of the league’s best receivers. While the Jets may try to clean up the position a bit in free agency, adding a dual-threat defender like Kelly would allow them more versatility and youth at the position. Ideally, Gang Green will work to re-sign Claiborne and add a true No. 1 cornerback in free agency, such as Trumaine Johnson. Regardless, the Jets have quite a few selections late in the draft and Kelly is an interesting option given his athletic ability.
If the Jets are unable to hit a homerun in free agency at defensive back, many would expect for them to hone in on the position in the draft. Kelly certainly has the stature, athletic talents, and physical nature to eventually elevate to a No.1 or No. 2 corner in the NFL. Expect him to come out strong at the combine and propel his draft stock beyond what is now a Day 3 prediction.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets