Despite not possessing any selections in the first two rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams added a slew of talent to the mix. This has helped provide more depth to the team at key positions.
One of which was behind star running back Todd Gurley ahead of next season with the selection of former Tennessee running back John Kelly in the sixth round. According to Kristen Lago of TheRams.com, Kelly has voiced his excitement about the opportunity to be able to work with Gurley this offseason in hopes of latching onto the team this upcoming season:
“Oh yeah, I definitely got a chance to watch Todd play over the years. I think he’s a great back in the league, obviously. I really just can’t wait to be able to learn some of the things that he was able to do and just be able to compete with him at practice. So I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Kelly is an intriguing prospect coming off a productive 2017 season where he showed his versatility in an increased role as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He racked up 778 rushing yards with nine touchdowns while adding 37 catches for 299 receiving yards in 11 games played.
His ability to impact the game in multiple ways could help him garner a role with the Rams to possibly earn the backup spot behind Gurley by unseating Malcolm Brown. Kelly is a unique talent that has proven to be a hard runner that could see him make a strong impression early on with the coaching staff about how he will fit in.
With training camp around the corner in less than two weeks, it will provide the chance for him to work with and learn from one of the league’s best running backs while etching out his role in Los Angeles.
