Jack Kelly Scouting Report

Jack Kelly is a versatile second-level defender who can make an impact rushing the quarterback or blitzing from the second level of the defense.

Draft Grade: Round 3 - Adequate Starter

Strengths:

Versatility: Kelly has shown strong alignment versatility. He can line up as a second-level linebacker, but he is also capable of walking down to the edge and providing impactful snaps as a pass rusher, as evidenced by his 10 sacks in 2025. This flexibility gives NFL defensive coordinators the ability to move him around the formation to exploit favorable matchups and situational advantages.

Pass-Rush Ability: Although Kelly is not a prototypical edge rusher by designation, he has clear upside as a pass rusher at the next level. He possesses a quick first step and enough developed pass-rush moves to consistently pressure the quarterback and, at times, finish with sacks.

Blitzing: Kelly has proven to be an effective blitzer from multiple alignments. From the second level, he shows patience approaching the line of scrimmage and can explode upfield at the snap. He also executes delayed blitzes well, showcasing good acceleration and closing speed to disrupt plays in the backfield.

High Motor: Kelly profiles as a high-effort, high-motor defender who consistently plays through the whistle. He shows a strong willingness to pursue plays from the backside and will chase ball carriers 20-plus yards downfield to make tackles.

Concerns:

Size/Role Fit: Kelly has a tweener frame and skill set. As an off-ball linebacker, he profiles as a good but not great lateral athlete, and when aligned as a stand-up edge defender, he may lack the ideal size to consistently hold up against the run at the line of scrimmage. Because of this, Kelly’s success at the next level will be heavily dependent on how a defensive coordinator deploys him, placing him in advantageous roles and situations rather than asking him to be a true every-down player at one spot.

Pass Coverage: When aligned as an off-ball linebacker and asked to drop into coverage, Kelly’s range appears limited. His change of direction and reactionary athleticism are closer to average, which could lead to challenges when matched up against athletic running backs or tight ends in space. This likely projects Kelly as a situational defender, potentially playing off-ball on early downs and then walking down to the line of scrimmage on third down or obvious passing situations, or being rotated off the field in favor of more speed in sub-packages.