NFL Draft 2018 Round 7: Houston Texans Select CB Jermaine Kelly

The Houston Texans have selected Jermaine Kelly in Round 7 — 222nd pick — in the NFL Draft.  How will this have an effect on the team as a whole? What about potential?  Let’s take a look and examine further.

With the 222nd and FINAL PICK in Round 7 of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:

Jermaine Kelly!

The Houston Texans look to have a warm, young body to compete in camp along with a plethora of other players, some that went undrafted.

Kelly did visit the Houston Texans earlier this month so he’s already familiar with the coaching staff as well as some of the players.  It’s another West Coast pick to couple along with safety Justin Reid.

The 6’0,” 196-pound corner back out San Jose State is speedy enough, earning a 4.52-yard 40-yard time back during his Pro Day March 23rd.  He has ran his 40 as fast as a 4.47 so it’s certainly understandable why this guy suits the Texans fancy to be worth a draft pick.

According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly had a 93.8 grade in coverage for the 2017 season.  That’s the most glaring stat for me.  That’s the kind of stat that would be beneficial for him on special teams.  Who knows?  If he shows enough in camp, he might just get that wish.  His 11.1 cover snaps per reception is ranked among the bottom-middle of eligible receivers.

Kelly was a 2015 transfer from Washington before finishing up his final two seasons with the Spartans.  He started for the first time of his career this past season putting up 53 tackles, 12 pass breakups and one pick.

I’m sure Kelly is just happy to have this opportunity to be drafted but here’s what the experts had to say:

DraftAnalyst.com:

"“Underrated cornerback with next-level ability. Effective in zone, quickly recognizes routes and nicely anticipates the action. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and makes a strong move to the throw. Tracks the pass in the air, works well with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field and has a burst to the ball. Gives effort against the run.Weaknesses:  Seems to lose a sense of where he is on the field occasionally. Not a physically strong cornerback.”"

And a fun tweet from Sean Pendergast of SportsRadio 610:

Next: Texans select LB Peter Kalambayi in the 6th round

I see Kelly having some potential but there’s no question that he will be on the practice squad for 2018 if he does enough to impress.  He has made one so far so who knows how this pick will pan out?  But again, he’s happy to picked and he may be an underdog guy to keep your eyes peeled on.

Kelly amassed 67 tackles — 2.0 for loss — 16 passes defensed, one defensive touchdown, one pick and two fumble recoveries in two seasons with the Spartans.