Chad Kelly expected to work out at Thursday’s Ole Miss Pro Day

OXFORD, Miss. — Former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly is working his way back to the NFL and will throw for scouts at Thursday’s Pro Day in the Manning Center tomorrow, as first reported by David Johnson of the Ole Miss Spirit. Pro Day is set to begin at 12:45 p.m. CT.

During his two years with the Rebels, Chad threw for 6,800 yards and 50 touchdowns and was a shining star for the Ole Miss offense. He won MVP honors in the 2016 All-State Sugar Bowl where he led the Rebels to a 48-20 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. That season Ole Miss finished No. 10 in the national ranks. 

Chad Kelly, named MVP of the Sugar Bowl, celebrates the win with WR Laquon Treadwell. (Photo credit: Amanda Swain, The Rebel Walk)

The road to NFL success is hardly ever easy, and Chad has experienced that firsthand in his pursuit to play at the next level. But in spite of all obstacles, he remains determined to make it there one way or another. His skillset to develop into an NFL QB is absolutely there.

Kelly was drafted as the last pick in 2017 by the Denver Broncos. He spent time on the Indianapolis practice squad last season. Will the third time be the charm for Kelly? He will have some darned good receivers to throw to Thursday afternoon as former Ole Miss wide receivers DaMarkus Lodge and Damore’ea Stringfellow will be catching passes for him.

String signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2017. Currently, he is a wide receiver for the Carolina Cobras in arena league. Lodge last signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

It’s never too late if to make a run at fulfilling your pro dream if you have the skillset, the determination, and some experience at the next level. Honestly, sometimes it’s more about finding a “fit” that’s right. Some of the most successful QBs in the history of the league weren’t always the names everybody wanted at first.

Strengths

Kelly sports a natural whip arm with strong upper body and has the power to reach any level of the field with ease. He has a very good feel for back-shoulder throws, and he can throw up the seams well. 

Chad Kellly escapes would-be Mississippi State tacklers. (Photo: Cameron Brooks)

He can be dangerous on the field; he was elusive during his time at Ole Miss, running for 509 yards and 10 TDs in 2015 to go with his 4,042 yards and 31 TDs through the air. He is an athletic and tough runner who can pick up key yards with his legs if the play breaks down or when he is facing early pressure.

Outside of college and one NFL game, the gunslinger hasn’t really had the opportunity at the next level for people to see what a strong arm he possesses. He can get the ball anywhere on the field and will tear defenses apart, piece by piece, if given the opportunity.

Again, I think under the right program he can be a very good NFL QB, not only because of his incredible arm strength but also because he has a solid football IQ and makes good decisions on the spot under pressure. 

Weakness

He doesn’t always show patience in the pocket that is needed for pure-progression, full-field reads. However, if he lands in the right spot with the right coach who will work with him, I don’t think that will be a problem. 

Welcome back to the ole neighborhood, Chad Kelly #LFG because the Swag is back in the Sip!

Six Collegiate Rebels at Pro Day

Six players from last year’s Ole Miss team are scheduled to participate at Pro Day: tight end Kenny Yeboah, wide receiver Elijah Moore, offensive lineman Royce Newman, long snapper Jack Propst, kicker Luke Logan, and defensive back Jalen Julius. 

Thursday’s on-field testing will come in the form of the short and long shuttles, the three-cone drill, and the 40-yard dash, to name a few.

The Rebel Walk will be at Pro Day and will bring you all the latest as it happens. Hotty Toddy!

(Feature image credit: Bentley Breland, The Rebel Walk)