Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kelly Kirchbaum () - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #123 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Kelly Kirchbaum - 1979 NFL Draft

Position: Offensive Tackle
College: University of Wisconsin

Overview:

Kelly Kirchbaum was a standout offensive tackle from the University of Wisconsin, known for his size, strength, and agility. His performance in college caught the attention of NFL scouts, making him a notable prospect heading into the 1979 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Physical Attributes: Kirchbaum possessed an impressive frame, standing at 6'5" and weighing around 290 pounds, making him a prototypical offensive tackle.
• Agility: Despite his size, he displayed remarkable footwork and quickness, allowing him to keep up with faster defensive ends.
• Run Blocking: His ability to create space in the running game was exceptional, often dominating opponents at the line of scrimmage.
• Football IQ: Kirchbaum demonstrated a solid understanding of offensive schemes and was effective in making line adjustments.

Areas for Improvement:

• Pass Protection: While he had shown promise, there were concerns about his ability to handle elite pass rushers consistently.
• Injury History: He had a few minor injuries during his college career, raising questions about his durability in the NFL.
• Technical Refinement: Some scouts noted that his technique could use refinement, particularly in hand placement and leverage.

Projected Draft Position:

Given his talents and potential, Kirchbaum was projected to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the 1979 NFL Draft, likely in the 3rd to 5th round range.

Conclusion:

Kelly Kirchbaum was considered a promising offensive tackle with the potential to develop into a reliable starter in the NFL. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him an intriguing prospect, though concerns about his pass protection and durability could impact his draft stock.