NFL: Malcolm in the middle…of the first round
By Blake Jackson
NFL Draft analysts aren’t expecting Malcolm Kelly’s draft position to be affected by his disappearance in the Fiesta Bowl or the declaration of other top junior wideouts DeSean Jackson, Mario Manningham and James Hardy.
Several early mock drafts — including those on ESPN, Yardbarker, Rivals.com — have Kelly going in the middle to late-mid first round. In almost every instance, that’s just after Cal’s Jackson and before either Manningham or Hardy.
ESPN.com’s Todd McShay has Kelly going No. 19 to the Philadelphia Eagles as the second wideout off the board. He writes:
“Current Eagles OTs Jon Runyan and William Thomas aren’t getting any younger, so Jeffrey Otah (Pittsburgh) and Michael Oher (Mississippi) are possibilities here. However, the Eagles are still in search of a big-play threat at wide receiver and Kelly could finally be the answer. Unlike most big receivers, he’s a smooth route-runner who knows how to separate from man-to-man coverage. Kelly also might have the strongest hands of any receiver in this year’s class. ”
Over at Yardbarker, Paul Schackman hands Kelly to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 20:
“Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for playmakers to step in. Kelly is the best receiver remaining on the board, and a big play receiver who can help stretch the field. Offensive tackle is also an option here.”
Rivals.com draft analyst Frank Coyle has Kelly going to the Houston Texans at No. 18:
“The Texans are looking to add a standout playmaker opposite Andre Johnson.”
It’s worth noting that Coyle is the only analyst I’ve found to list another Sooner among his expected first round draftees. He expects Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith to go No. 10 overall to the New Orleans Saints — I’m with Coyle on Kelly’s placement, but I don’t think I can make the lottery leap with Smith.
So far, I haven’t seen anything about Curtis Lofton, although most early mock drafts only plot out the first round. Following the NFL Draft is one of my favorite things to do as a sports fan. I’ll keep you posted if I hear/read anything else.
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