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NFL Films Guru Greg Cosell on Colts Ryan Kelly: “Might Not Be a Better Center Prospect Since the Pounceys”

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jacob Coker (14) makes a call as Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (70) looks up against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jacob Coker (14) makes a call as Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (70) looks up against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to renowned NFL Films guru Greg Cosell, the Indianapolis Colts selected one of the best center prospects he’s seen in recent memory regarding Ryan Kelly:

"“Yeah, and I absolutely thought he was a terrific college player,” said Cosell on The Midday 180. “I thought he’s as good of a center as I…you could make the argument that there might not be a better center prospect then maybe since the Pouncey’s came into the league. Some might even say Ryan Kalil.”"

For the record, Mike Pouncey of the Miami Dolphins was the last of the Pouncey brothers to be selected, and that was back in the 1st round of 2011. Therefore, it seems safe to reason that Kelly is the best center prospect to come out in 5 years per Cosell–10 years if you count the Carolina Panthers Ryan Kalil dating to 2007.

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Austin Blythe (63) is double teamed by Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Byerson Cockrell (28) and Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Greg McMullen (90) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Iowa beat Nebraska 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Austin Blythe (63) is double teamed by Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Byerson Cockrell (28) and Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Greg McMullen (90) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Iowa beat Nebraska 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

However, Kelly wasn’t the only rookie interior offensive lineman that Cosell had high praise for, as the senior producer for NFL Films also made it a point to mention the team’s 7th round pick, center Austin Blythe, out of the University of Iowa:

"“I mean Kelly is a really good prospect and by the way, I think he can play guard too,” added Cosell. “I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but they drafted a player in the 7th round, a center out of Iowa named Austin Blythe, who I really liked on film as well. He’s just smaller then you’d ideally like, but it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.”“But there’s no question that Kelly came come right in and be a starting center, and their guard situation is also still a little up in the air–particularly at right guard. So if Austin Blythe can play, they might fill two spots there.”"

Cosell also provided his evaluation on the Colts 3rd round pick, offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark from Texas Tech, who possesses intriguing physical measurables, but seems like a bit of a project along the offensive line:

"Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (62) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports“Yeah, Clark’s an intriguing guy, and I’ve actually talked to some offensive line coaches about him because he’s a guy that actually has really long arms, looks the part of an offensive tackle, and actually has pretty good feet,” said Cosell.“The problem he continually had in college was that he was a leaner and a waist-bender, and I always try to figure out, ‘Can that be coached?’ Because if you start bending at the waist in the National Football League against good pass rushers, you’re in trouble.”“So he’s got the feet. He’s got the length, but he needs to be coached out of leaning and bending. And I mean we’ll see. I think he could possibly move inside to guard but I’m sure because of his feet that he was drafted as an offensive tackle.”"

Last, but not least, Cosell also provided his take on Antonio Morrison, one of the Colts 4th round picks from Florida, and his challenges at the next level:

"Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Antonio Morrison (3) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports“He’s an inside guy,” said Cosell. “I mean he would fit probably in a 3-4, he’s clearly an inside linebacker. I think he was a very productive college player, who you sort of questioned. Doesn’t mean he can’t play, but you sort of question the traits a little bit. He’s not overly big. I wouldn’t say he has great movement. He’s not explosively quick.”“I think he’s a guy that would have to make it based on his mental approach to the game. His play recognition and understanding of offenses. Because I think when you look at the physical traits, he’s not going to jump off of the film.”"

Among other interesting revelations from Cosell is that he “liked D’Joun Smith a lot on film” last year and thinks “he has the ability to be an NFL starter”.

He also doesn’t think Frank Gore is done quite yet, “There’s no reason to think that Frank Gore can’t play anymore. He actually ran very, very well last year,” said Cosell.

He’s also very high on Donte Moncrief and his ability to take the next step in becoming an elite NFL wide receiver, “I thought Moncrief when he came out of Ole Miss could be a number 1 type receiver,” remarked Cosell.

Overall, Cosell had mostly positive things to say about this year’s rookie class and thinks the Colts have reasons to be optimistic about their chances in the AFC South next season.

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