Kelly is a chaos agent off the edge who stacks sacks like a part-time pass rusher because that is essentially what he is — a linebacker with plus blitz ability and closing speed who earns his keep as a third-down weapon more than a three-down defender. His 15 sacks in two BYU seasons and a 9.83 RAS tell you the tools are real, but Zierlein's lukewarm 'adequate play speed' label and a 22.4% missed tackle rate reveal the other side of the coin: a tweener who struggles with leverage against the run, gets locked on to blocks because of short arms, and is closer to average than plus in coverage. The Senior Bowl — where he won practice player of the week — and the combine performance are the strongest arguments that the tape translates, but he'll need to dominate special teams early and earn third-down reps to stick on an NFL roster.

• 🚀Above-average blitzing ability from multiple alignments with a quick first step and developed rush moves
• 🏎️Elite closing speed on tape — clocked at 21.2 MPH chasing QBs, confirmed by 4.57 forty and 9.83 RAS
• 🃏Alignment versatility to line up as off-ball linebacker or walk down to the edge situationally
• 🦬Strong Senior Bowl showing against Power 4 competition validated physicality and instincts
• 👑Relentless motor and desired aggression — team captain and helmet communicator reflecting strong leadership

• 🤲Short arms (31 1/8 inches) cause him to get stuck to blockers who sink their hands in, limiting ability to disengage
• 🧱Run defense is inconsistent — struggles to find leverage and fit, evidenced by PFF run defense grade of just 65
• 🔥22.4% missed tackle rate is concerning for a linebacker, suggesting over-pursuit and poor angles in the open field
• 💨Coverage range is limited — change of direction and reactionary athleticism are closer to average, restricting sub-package value