We're just over two weeks from the NFL Draft, which means that prospects' last best chance to make an impression will come via their pro day. Unfortunately, if that goes poorly, it'll end up costing them money come draft day.
And I'm sure that's what former Oklahamo wide receiver Malcolm Kelly and his agent are talking about right now. According to NFL.com, Kelly slogged his way to a 4.68 and 4.75 40-yard time during a workout today (he missed the Combine and Oklahoma's pro day due to a leg injury). NFLDraftScout.com reports that Kelly had run between 4.47-4.59 at some point prior to the Combine, so at this rate, he'll be running in the high 6s by the time training camp rolls around.
For some perspective, former Cal wideout and likely first-rounder DeSean Jackson ran a 4.35, 0.4 seconds faster than Kelly. That's what, a step over 40 yards? Huh..
Still, despite the less-than-stellar showing, it doesn't automatically relegate Kelly to practice-squad status. It's not a good thing, for sure, but it's not a career killer, either. The Cowboys Blog's Albert Breer makes an important point:
I do think it's important to interject the case of guys like Anquan Boldin, who ran in the 4.7s at the combine, then caught 101 passes as a rookie. And that Kelly's been hurt. And that there are probably a lot of NFL types ignoring all that right now, even if he looks pretty good on tape.And it's not like Boldin's the only player to run a slow time and still be a productive wide receiver (via NFLDS):
- Plaxico Burress ran a 4.59 in '00;
- Chad Johnson, 4.57, '01;
- David Givens, 4.56, '02;
- Larry Fitzgerald, 4.63 and Michael Clayton, 4.67, '04; and so on and so forth.
The point: blazing speed is overrated. Just ask Renaldo Nehemiah.
UPDATE: Hashmark's Matt Mosley offers this:
"He's not a bad receiver," said the scout. "He just can't run that well. I've read where the media has him going near the top 10, but I just don't think he's that type of player."
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. You forgot to list Anquin Boldin who ran a 4.8 time
Posted at 6:33AM on Apr 10th 2008 by mbyte84
2. I am tired of reading so many negative comments about Malcolm Kelly and his pro-day workout. Put yourself in his shoes. Plans were made ahead of time and agreed upon as to where the event would take place. Kelly had spoken to someone there at the college and this person knew his concerns. My question is why didn't this guy informed Kelly so Kelly would have known what to expect. Sure the scouts requested a change;why couldn't Kelly have been called before he arrived on site? Kelly had the shoes WITH him to run on such surface.Wouldn't you have been upset?YES.Why didn't the guy tell the scouts what the initial plans were? I'm willing to bet you they would have gone along with the plan. Kelly is only 22 and has a lot of maturing to do. I'm sure that had his agent been in his presence, he would have been able to guide him. I'm sure the reporters got a kick out of the interview. It gave them something to do yesterday. I hate that Kelly released his anger for the reporters.Kelly this is what reporters do. Watch TV and see how they try to get you at your lowest point. However,I am glad he spoke his mind.I don't know of anyone who doesn't speak their mind unless they are some kind of coward. He was very tactful about it and did not use profanity like other professionals have done. There was so much negative talk about Kelly coming out of Oklahoma after the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, from the so call sooner fans. And you all don't know what kind of relationship Kelly had with the coaching staff at OU so wouldn't it be better if you kept your comments to yourself? He is not a cry baby. He just took a stand for himself. You would have done the same. If you look back at the other ex-sooners pro-day perfomance, they too bad running times. Does this tell you something about the facilities there at OU?
Posted at 2:13PM on Apr 10th 2008 by Kaitlyn
3. After OUr experience, We agree with Kaitlyn 100% !!!
You must be involved somewhere in the "program" as well to have such a clear view of what happens when the cameras are not on, or dignitaries finish their visits to the football field. I support Malcolm.He said what he needs to say and it is valid. May he be blessed 100x over
Posted at 2:29PM on Apr 10th 2008 by Tracy Klein