Buffalo Bills: Scouting the 2017 NFL Draft for a Quarterback

Chad Kelly – Ole Miss

Senior, 6’2, 224 lbs

Career: 6,858 yards, 50 TDs, 21 INTs

Here is the nephew of Jim Kelly, and maybe the most mysterious NFL draft prospect. Kelly at various points in his career was projected as a 1st round pick. After multiple off-field incidents and a torn ACL, he now finds himself uninvited to the NFL Combine.

We know enough about the NFL to know that because of his pedigree and talent, somebody will bring him into camp. We also know that playing near your hometown would either help him, or ruin him with the potential of more off-field issues.

On the field, Kelly showed all the physical tools you would want in the NFL. Where he can get in trouble is with untimely turnovers and not having the late game ability to close games out. Those are things I am not sure if one can learn.

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When a player is known for bad turnovers, they are usually known for their confidence and ability to throw in tight windows. If a coach takes away their risk-taking nature, do they also take away their instincts?

Kelly’s on-field strengths and weaknesses would get him drafted as a possible first round prospect. Yet his recent injury and all the off-field issues means his talent will be at a bargain basement price. The Bills will and should still take a look.

Bills Projected NFL Draft Round: 7th

The Bills should take a flyer on Kelly if he is sitting around late on day 3. His injuries will heal and he will have a strong support system in the Buffalo area. He went to college, made a lot of mistakes, got embarrassed by adult film stars, but it’s time for the humble pie.

If he can’t work hard under the watchful eye of Uncle Jim, then he won’t make it in the NFL. Kelly needs the Bills to give him a break and just maybe, another Kelly can help the Bills.

DO NOT MAKE THIS PICK IF….

Management can’t handle the call for Kelly at the first sign of QB trouble. The fans will want to see him on the field before Week 1, the coaches and GM need to stand pat and do what’s best for the Bills — and Kelly.

But mostly the Bills.

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Who would you like to see the Buffalo Bills draft at quarterback this offseason? Leave your comments below!