2016 NFL Draft Profile: Ryan Kelly, C Alabama

Alabama center Ryan Kelly could be a sneaky first round pick for the Minnesota Vikings who could make a big impact in both the passing and run game.

When teams are in the NFL Draft, protecting their quarterback is a topic that likely comes up a lot in the war rooms. Finding a player with a great skill set as well as the mental toughness to succeed in the NFL can be difficult, and that is why Alabama center Ryan Kelly could be a sneaky first round selection.

There’s a lot to like about Kelly. He’s got that mean streak that teams like to see from an offensive lineman. Plus, he’s the kind of player who is always rising to the occasion, playing his best football against the toughest competition. A good pass blocker, Kelly is best when run blocking. He can blow through defenders using power and leverage and create massive holes for runners.

On the down side, there is some concern about size and durability. Many teams will likely want him to beef up at the NFL level in order to take on bigger and stronger competition. He also seems to lower his head too often to lead into blocks, losing track of the play and focusing on one single assignment.

Here are Alabama center Ryan Kelly’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Ryan Kelly (70) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 311 pounds

Arm Length: 33 5/8″

Hand Size: 9 5/8″

40 Yard Dash: 5.03 seconds

Bench Press: 26 reps

Vertical Jump: N/A

Broad Jump: 103″

3 Cone Drill: 7.58 seconds

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.59 seconds

Ryan Kelly compares to:

CBS Sports: -No Name Given-
NFL.com: Bryan Stork, Patriots

Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

Minnesota could be looking for a center if former starter John Sullivan’s back issues are more serious than many fans think. They could be searching for a long-term answer at the position, as Joe Berger will likely be retiring soon as well.

Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

My Take:

This all hinges on the future of John Sullivan. If he’s unable to go, Berger can only fill in for a short period of time before he will be hanging up his cleats. If the team isn’t confident that Sullivan will be able to recover from his back issues, Ryan Kelly could be a smart choice in the first round for the Minnesota Vikings even though it isn’t the flashy or fun pick that many fans would like.

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