Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Elijah Hood is playing great football

By George Stockburger

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) warms up prior to the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) warms up prior to the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) walks off the field during the second half against Georgia Southern Eagles at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) walks off the field during the second half against Georgia Southern Eagles at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss

Already embattled by off the field issues, Chad Kelly now leaves his collegiate career with an ACL injury that will prematurely end his season. The nephew of the great Jim Kelly, Chad went from being a member of the Preseason All-America Second Team to a nearly undraftable prospect.

Once thought to be among the top quarterbacks in this years draft class, Kelly struggled in his second-consecutive season as the Rebels starter. He threw three interceptions in the season-opener loss to Florida State, and saw the 11th ranked Rebels fall out of college football relevancy.

Starting his career at Clemson, Kelly was kicked off the team and landed at East Mississippi Community College. Kelly quickly molded himself into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, and joined Ole Miss in 2015. In two seasons at Ole Miss he threw 50 touchdowns and 21 interceptions

Between the character, performance, and health concerns, it will be hard for Kelly to find a home next spring. He will have to show more maturity, awareness, and consistency on the field before an NFL team gives him an opportunity.

Keep an eye on Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs in this scenario. Reid has a history of taking troubled players (Mike Vick, DeSean Jackson) and mentoring them on and off the field. Kansas City could be looking to develop a young quarterback behind Alex Smith, and this opportunity in a small-market can help Kelly in more ways than one.

Home/College Football