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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kelly Butler (Purdue) - 2004 NFL Draft Pick #172 by DET

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

2004 NFL Draft Pre-Draft Analysis: Kelly Butler

College: Purdue University

Position: Offensive Tackle

Overview

Kelly Butler was a promising offensive tackle prospect entering the 2004 NFL Draft. Coming from a solid collegiate program at Purdue, he showcased both size and athleticism that attracted attention from NFL scouts.

Physical Attributes

  • Height: 6'8"
  • Weight: 315 lbs
  • Arm Length: 34 inches

Strengths

  • Size and Length: Butler's height and wingspan made him an ideal candidate for a tackle position, providing a large frame to protect the quarterback.
  • Athleticism: Displayed good foot speed and agility for a man of his size, which helped him in both pass protection and run blocking.
  • Pass Protection: Showed the ability to handle speed rushers and maintain balance in pass sets, making him a solid prospect for teams looking for a blindside protector.

Areas for Improvement

  • Consistency: Butler's performance could vary from game to game; he needed to develop a more consistent technique and approach to play at the next level.
  • Strength and Power: Although he was agile, there were concerns about his ability to anchor against stronger defensive linemen.
  • Injury Concerns: Had a history of injuries that could raise red flags for teams during the evaluation process.

Projected Draft Round

Analysts projected Kelly Butler to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round range of the 2004 NFL Draft, with potential for a team to take a chance on him earlier if they were in need of a tackle and believed in his upside.

Conclusion

Kelly Butler was seen as a developmental prospect with the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. His success would largely depend on how well he could adapt to the professional game and improve on his weaknesses.