Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Brian Kelly (USC) - 1998 NFL Draft Pick #45 by TB

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Brian Kelly - 1998 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Brian Kelly
• Position: Cornerback
• College: University of Southern California (USC)

Overview:

Brian Kelly was a standout cornerback at USC, known for his excellent coverage skills and playmaking ability. His combination of speed, agility, and football intelligence made him one of the top defensive prospects heading into the 1998 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Coverage Skills: Kelly displayed exceptional man-to-man and zone coverage abilities, allowing him to effectively shut down opposing receivers.
• Physicality: He possessed a physical playing style, often willing to engage in press coverage and support against the run.
• Ball Skills: Kelly had a knack for making plays on the ball, recording multiple interceptions and pass deflections during his college career.
• Football IQ: His understanding of the game and ability to read quarterbacks contributed to his success on the field.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'11" and around 190 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the size to match up against taller receivers.
• Injuries: Kelly had a history of minor injuries during college, raising concerns about his durability at the next level.

Projected Draft Position:

Brian Kelly was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft, with teams looking for a talented cornerback to bolster their secondary. His skills and potential made him a desirable pick for teams focusing on improving their defensive backfield.

Conclusion:

Brian Kelly was regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 1998 NFL Draft. His playmaking ability and solid fundamentals suggested he could develop into a reliable starter in the NFL.