RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.