Former UCF edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly was just one of many rookie free agents the Green Bay Packers added after the draft. After having his name included in the catalogue of signings, he slipped under the radar. Now is the time to get to know him as a candidate to upset early projections for the Packers' edge-rusher depth chart.
Admittedly, Kelly will enter training camp as an underdog to make the roster. Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrel, and rookie fourth-rounder Dani Dennis-Sutton are solid bets to begin the season as Green Bay's top three options with Micah Parsons on the PUP list. After that, Brenton Cox and Collin Oliver are rightful favorites to round out the roster.
But don't count out Kelly just yet. Particularly with Oliver missing OTAs and minicamp, Kelly has a legitimate opportunity to force himself into the conversation as the final edge rusher to make the cut.
Nyjalik Kelly is one Packers prospect not being talked about enough
His numbers across two seasons at UCF are solid enough, but they don't jump off the page: 8.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and an interception. Combined with his college production, though, Kelly's physical traits make him a dark-horse prospect who could thrive if given the opportunity.
Although Kelly went undrafted, draft analyst Lance Zierlien gave him seventh-round upside, noting his "NFL-caliber measurables" and "pro frame with very long arms." At 6-foot-5 and 256 pounds, he has the build of an uber-lengthy outside linebacker despite playing defensive end at UCF.Â
With Parsons out to begin the year, the Packers can afford to leave no stone unturned. If Kelly bursts onto the scene in training camp, they would be foolish not to give him an extended look.Â
As much as tentative enthusiasm has accompanied Oliver's return to the field, staying on it continues to be a problem. The defense won't be able to get by using an active roster spot on a player who isn't ready to contribute at 100 percent. The pass rush needs all hands on deck to compensate for Parsons' inestimable absence.Â
Packers fans will be rooting hard for Oliver this summer, but his durability issues could open the door for Kelly. Would Green Bay move on from Cox if both Oliver and Kelly ball out? It's definitely possible.Â
Although Cox has been a fringe contributor for two seasons and with the team for three, it has only amounted to 243 defensive snaps and 73 on special teams. Don't be too surprised if the Packers opt for younger upside, in which case Kelly should be on the shortlist and surprise everyone at camp.
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