Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Why do you suppose that the Skins chose Kelly over Sweed. Todd McShay had Sweed as the highest rated receiver on his board. They are similar in size but Sweed posted a quicker 40 time and doesn't have the knee injury history.


I like Kelly now that he's a Redskin and also trust the Skins scouts picked the best player for the squad. Sweed was available at our pick so I was wondering what Skins fans thought about the Kelly over Sweed selection.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

kelly runs better routes and is more proven as far as consistent, year to year, production

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Sweed has his own injury questions with his wrist.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I wasen't a big Sweed guy, knee's aside I think Kelly is the better WR.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Kelly has a higher ceiling, but is more of a gamble due to three things. Timmed speed, knee concerns and attitude. Kelly plays faster than he was timed, his knees were cleared by most teams doctors and lastly while he threw a tantrum at his pro day he didn't have a character red flag before that incident so nothing is positive about any of the three negatives.

On tape Kelly was much harder to press and generally keep track of. He is very elusive for a taller receiver.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I think the biggest differentiator is Kelly's hands. He probably has the surest hands of any WR drafted. Sweed is the more explosive playmaker, but the Redskins have guys like that. What they need is the move the chains receiver who can consistently catch the ball with bodies draped over him going 9 yards over the middle on a 3rd and 8

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I remember reading that Kelly only dropped one ball in his career at OU.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Even the people who have criticized him are saying he's like a Keyshawn Johnson clone.

We could do a LOT worse than to have another Keyshawn sans the 'tude.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Sweed never seemed to get involved when Texas played ranked opponents. I mean maybe he would get a touchdown catch, but "maybe he would get" is not what you look for when you try and draft a game breaking reciever. Plus he only averaged 3 or 4 catches a game. Kelly seemed to have a better track record against ranked opponents.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Oh yeah and like others have pointed out Kelly has sick hands. Sick!

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Kelly's body oozes stick em' I'm pretty sure. The dude doesnt drop balls, something that cant be said of sweed.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

yeah Sweed liked to drop balls and not only that but the Redskins spent alot of time with Kelly and I feel that they knew they were going after him from day one. We have good scouts and for some reason, Sweed didnt bait our scouts. I am excited about Kelly's hands and I think he will be good.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

a repeat of what most post said Kelly's hands are the best

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

is kelly gonna be number 86 when he was introduced? or number 12 which it says on the official site? just curious bc thomas is number 11 on the site but when introduced he was 85

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

On Redskins Radio, they said worked out Kelly alot. They actually brought out Campbell and made him throw to Kelly, which is apparently rare for workouts. Campbell and Zorn liked his ability to catch the fade in the endzone and were not concerned about his speed.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=J. Spanky;446292]kelly runs better routes and is more proven as far as consistent, year to year, production[/quote]


That's a ludicrous statement:
2006 6 catches for 90 yards and 1 TD
2007 79 catches for 1260 yards and 8 TDs

That's some year to year consistency for ya.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=EEich;446380]That's a ludicrous statement:
2006 6 catches for 90 yards and 1 TD
2007 79 catches for 1260 yards and 8 TDs

That's some year to year consistency for ya.[/quote]

You got your stats wrong. Kelly as a true freshman caught 33 passes for 471 yards and two touchdowns. As Sophmore he caught 62 passes for 993 yards and ten touchdowns. This last year he caught 49 balls for 821 yards and nine touchdowns.

I think you put the Devin Thomas stats in there instead of Kelly's.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=wilsowilso;446389]You got your stats wrong. Kelly as a true freshman caught 33 passes for 471 yards and two touchdowns. As Sophmore he caught 62 passes for 993 yards and ten touchdowns. This last year he caught 49 balls for 821 yards and nine touchdowns.

I think you put the Devin Thomas stats in there instead of Kelly's.[/quote]


Yup... for some reason I had Thomas on my mind... sorry Spanky.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=EEich;446409]Yup... for some reason I had Thomas on my mind... sorry Spanky.[/QUOTE]

don't mention it ;)

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Kelly was the #1 WR on most rankings when the college football season ended. Then, somehow, through combine times and scores and rediculous media hype, he dropped down to anywhere between #3 and #8.

His slow 40 time is not a big deal IMO. There are a ton of examples of WR's who ran slow times but had crazy successful carreers (hello - Jerry Rice?). His hands are phenomenal and he plays big in big games. I don't frankly care how blazing fast he is if he doesn't catch the ball effectively - it'd be irrelevant.

He seemed very polished and articulate and intelligent during the news conference - and I think that's a sign of being mature. Seriously, when you think of all the "superstars" in the NFL, how many of them talk in horrible, ebonic english during press conferences or interviews? Not many at all. Leaders in the lockerroom need to be able to speak intelligently and clearly and smartly - if they want to be the face of the team. Kelly impressed me with all of this in his first press conference and i expect big things from him.

I'm actually more excited about him then Thomas, who in my mind has much more question marks.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=Ade Jimoh Fan Club;446417]Kelly was the #1 WR on most rankings when the college football season ended. Then, somehow, through combine times and scores and rediculous media hype, he dropped down to anywhere between #3 and #8.

His slow 40 time is not a big deal IMO. There are a ton of examples of WR's who ran slow times but had crazy successful carreers (hello - Jerry Rice?). His hands are phenomenal and he plays big in big games. I don't frankly care how blazing fast he is if he doesn't catch the ball effectively - it'd be irrelevant.

He seemed very polished and articulate and intelligent during the news conference - and I think that's a sign of being mature. Seriously, when you think of all the "superstars" in the NFL, how many of them talk in horrible, ebonic english during press conferences or interviews? Not many at all. Leaders in the lockerroom need to be able to speak intelligently and clearly and smartly - if they want to be the face of the team. Kelly impressed me with all of this in his first press conference and i expect big things from him.

I'm actually more excited about him then Thomas, who in my mind has much more question marks.[/QUOTE]


Yeah, Kelly should have gone in the 1st IMO. We are lucky b/c now he cant demand 1st round money. I just hope Thomas doesnt think we will automatically be ahead of Kelly on the depth chart. It will be a battle.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=hooskins;446349]On Redskins Radio, they said worked out Kelly alot. They actually brought out Campbell and made him throw to Kelly, which is apparently rare for workouts. Campbell and Zorn liked his ability to catch the fade in the endzone and were not concerned about his speed.[/QUOTE]

I understand that Campbell was very impressed with Kelly after throwing to him so this likely played a big role in the decision - it also bodes very well for their partnership in future seasons.

Campbell must be feeling pretty pleased with the moves made in the draft as he has a hell of a lot a toys to play with now. He has got to be excited at playing in this offense.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;446304]I remember reading that Kelly only dropped one ball in his career at OU.[/QUOTE]

Is that really true?

Is it possible to find a link on that. That would be amazing.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Compares To: LARRY FITZGERALD-Arizona...Like Fitzgerald, Kelly takes advantage of his size and strength to break arm tackles rather than trying to get fancy with moves when trying to separate. Both have some of the best natural hands in the game, [B]as Kelly was charted with only one dropped pass in the last two years. [/B]

[url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/malcolm-kelly?id=1028]NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - Malcolm Kelly[/url]

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

SmootSmack, you beat me to that by about 30 seconds. You internet ninja!

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Here is an interesting comparison I found while looking for the Kelly 1 dropped pass info:

[url=http://www.profootballcentral.com/2008/03/16/rookie-battles-malcolm-kelly-vs-limas-sweed/]Rookie Battles: Malcolm Kelly Vs Limas Sweed[/url]

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;446440]Compares To: LARRY FITZGERALD-Arizona...Like Fitzgerald, Kelly takes advantage of his size and strength to break arm tackles rather than trying to get fancy with moves when trying to separate. Both have some of the best natural hands in the game, [B]as Kelly was charted with only one dropped pass in the last two years. [/B]

[url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/malcolm-kelly?id=1028]NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - Malcolm Kelly[/url][/QUOTE]

That is awesome!!!!
A nice big WR (6'4") and he actually catches the ball. We totally need that in Washington.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I'm totally happy with the draft. Man it would nice to see one of the newbies crack the starting line-up.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;446449]I'm totally happy with the draft. Man it would nice to see one of the newbies crack the starting line-up.[/QUOTE]

I have no doubt that one of those two wr's will...and will be vital to our success.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I think Malcolm Kelly can be a very valuable player for us for a long time and DEFINATELY seems to be a good value pick at 51. Problem is that his speed issues do prevent him from having the potential to develop into a top of the line receiver.

Still, I'm happy we have him.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;446459]I think Malcolm Kelly can be a very valuable player for us for a long time and DEFINATELY seems to be a good value pick at 51. Problem is that his speed issues do prevent him from having the potential to develop into a top of the line receiver.

Still, I'm happy we have him.[/QUOTE]

WR's with "seemingly speed issues" always find a way to succeed. Keyshawn Johnson was not very speedy, but he worked on his route running and his hands. Kelly already has good hands. With proper footwork / route running, he'll be successful. You don't have to pass every DB to be a successful WR.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=jsarno;446461]WR's with "seemingly speed issues" always find a way to succeed. Keyshawn Johnson was not very speedy, but he worked on his route running and his hands. Kelly already has good hands. With proper footwork / route running, he'll be successful. You don't have to pass every DB to be a successful WR.[/quote]Yeah, but the point was no one is going to confuse Keyshawn Johnson for Steve Smith/Terrell Owens/Randy Moss/Chad Johnson/Torry Holt.

That's the kind of player Malcolm Kelly can never be. A very good player is something he can be.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=GTripp0012;446466]Yeah, but the point was no one is going to confuse Keyshawn Johnson for Steve Smith/Terrell Owens/Randy Moss/Chad Johnson/Torry Holt.

That's the kind of player Malcolm Kelly can never be. A very good player is something he can be.[/quote]

I'm not clear as to why you seem so sure about his potential.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Let's not be too fast to judge this guys potential until 2 or 3 years down the road. I have a feeling he and Thomas will be used in certain situations throughout the season, but will not be every down WR's until next year if they are lucky. I love the pick, especially Kelly, but lets have some patience with him. In the words of the wise Greg Novis "Trust in Vinny!"

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I know some of the people on this board have mentioned it but Sweed has injury history of his own. I can't fault Kelly as a pick over Sweed. I get sick and tired of people making a big deal over timed speed. Releasing off the line is just as important as straigh ahead speed. If a receiver does not have good hand work and footwork off the line in the NFL they are not going to be able to showcase speed. Looking at Kelly's film he does play well off the line, he ran good routes and gained seperation at the college level. I know that was against some corners who were not NFL caliber, but Kelly was drawing most of the number one corners. Kelly has really strong hands and plays very well in the air. We have been lacking a receiver who is a good jump ball man for quite a long time. I'm not losing any sleep over picking Kelly over Sweed.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;446466]Yeah, but the point was no one is going to confuse Keyshawn Johnson for Steve Smith/Terrell Owens/Randy Moss/Chad Johnson/Torry Holt.[/quote]

Point taken.

[quote]That's the kind of player Malcolm Kelly can never be. A very good player is something he can be.[/QUOTE]

Not that Kelly is the next Jerry Rice...but people pooed on Rice's potential too...the sky is the limit with these kids. He will be as good as he wants to be. No one knows at this point.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

instead of joining the argument, let me pass out some kool aid. because im happy with the picks we made. i really wanted line help, but these are the guys we have. and this makes me smile, because i believe our offense will look totally different this year. in a good way

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

[quote=Mattyk72;446472]I'm not clear as to why you seem so sure about his potential.[/quote]Well, I don't know why we are supposed to assume he might be able to accomplish physical feats that people with similar measurables to him simply have never, ever been able to accomplish.

He looks for the world to see like a pretty good receiver prospect. Let's be honest here, I don't know what's so groundbreaking about pointing out that he's totally dissimmilar to the elite receivers in the game. I'm not even using any cool numbers or anything to arrive at that conclusion. I'm just pointing out the obvious.

People are optimistic about the draft class, as rightly they should be this time of the year. I'm just lurking to point out realistic concepts that are being overlooked.

Keyshawn Johnson, to me, epitomizes a receiver who did every thing right fundamentally, but never really was an elite player at his position, because that wasn't his game. Maybe there's a player that better epitomizes his upside, who I'm not thinking of, but I'm alright with what I'm saying nevertheless.

Now, something I haven't said about Kelly yet is there is a certain degree of uncertainty around scouting him that worries me a tad. That "has been charted with one dropped pass" doesn't mean a lot because he skipped his Senior season. If he stayed, he might have dropped 7-8 passes and been a fifth round draft pick. Who knows? That's the uncertainty effect working here.

I am optimistic about his progression however, and based on what the teams knew, it looks like a lot of other teams passed on him for piss poor reasons. And for that we should be fortunate.

Although the fact that Kelly was still around at No. 51 (as well as Sweed, Manningham, etc.) really makes the "value" that was Devin Thomas look more like a reach. Just sayin.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

I'm not saying we're supposed to assume anything... but that's my point.

Let's see how it plays out, that's all I'm sayin.

Re: Picking Kelly over Sweed
 

Didn't this guy run the same speed 40 as Jerry Rice? I'm not saying he's going to be Jerry Rice -- what I am saying is straight line speed may not be the best NFL indicator.