Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Eric Kelly (Kentucky) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #69 by MIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Eric Kelly - 2001 NFL Draft

Position: Cornerback
College: University of Kentucky
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185 lbs

Overview

Eric Kelly was a standout cornerback at the University of Kentucky, known for his agility, speed, and ball-hawking skills. His performance in college made him a notable prospect heading into the 2001 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Coverage Skills: Kelly demonstrated excellent man-to-man coverage abilities, often shutting down opposing receivers.
• Speed and Agility: His quick footwork and acceleration allowed him to keep pace with fast receivers.
• Ball Skills: Kelly had a knack for making plays on the ball, recording several interceptions during his college career.
• Experience: He started multiple seasons at Kentucky, gaining valuable experience against top-tier collegiate competition.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 5'11", some scouts were concerned about his ability to match up against taller NFL receivers.
• Tackling Technique: Kelly needed to improve his tackling technique, as he sometimes struggled in run support.
• Consistency: While he had standout moments, there were games where his performance was less than stellar.

Projected Draft Round

Eric Kelly was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2001 NFL Draft, potentially as a depth cornerback with developmental upside.

Conclusion

With his combination of speed, coverage skills, and experience, Eric Kelly was viewed as a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their secondary. If he could improve on his weaknesses, he had the potential to become a reliable contributor in the NFL.