Take a look at the tenacious center out of Alabama in action.
Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) takes a snap from offensive linesman Ryan Kelly (70) during pre-game warmups prior to the start an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Starkville, Miss. Alabama won 20-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)
Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama offensive linesman Ryan Kelly (70) blocks out after snapping the ball to quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (70) sets up for a play against Michigan State during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly runs the 40 yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Alabama offensive linesman Ryan Kelly (70) prepares to snap the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (70) snaps the ball during the 2015 NCAA College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the 81st Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ohio State defeated Alabama 42-35. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) lines up under center Ryan Kelly (70) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We continue the series with a scouting report of Alabama C Ryan Kelly.
Name: Ryan Kelly
School: Alabama
Height: 6-4
Weight: 311 pounds
Position: C
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Bryan Stork
Some notable centers have been drafted in the first round in recent years, including Pro Bowlers Travis Frederick, Mike Pouncey, Maurkice Pouncey, Alex Mack and Eric Wood to name a few.
Ryan Kelly appears primed to be the NFL's next day one center.
A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, he was named the Rimington Trophy Award winner in 2015 as the nation's top center. He was also a consensus first team All-American and first team All-SEC pick as he did not allow a sack all year while giving up just four hurries. Kelly missed only eight assignments in 1,012 snaps for a 99.2% success rate with just one penalty. He also paved the way for 10 100-yard rushers in 2015, and 26 total in a career spanning 46 games with 36 starts.
Known for his toughness and grit, Kelly is a 6-4, 311-pound mauler in the middle. A highly regarded leader while at Alabama, scouts note he possesses ideal strength and athleticism for the position. He is also an excellent communicator, which is vital for any center.
While some pundits would like to see him bulk up to reach his full potential, Kelly possesses the traits teams look for in a consistent, long-term center in the NFL.
Combine Metrics
40-Yard Dash:5.03 seconds
Bench Press: 26 reps
Broad Jump: 103.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.58 seconds
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
