Within minutes of being drafted this past April, New York Giants rookie linebacker Jack Kelly had his own fan club.
People love the thought of a high-motor late-round pick breaking out and cracking the 53-man roster. NFL analysts immediately called Kelly, an All-Big 12 linebacker at BYU, a sixth-round steal.
Offseason hype is one thing, but Kelly more than proved himself throughout the preseason. He drew the start in last Friday’s win over the Jets, recording four tackles and a pass breakup.
Pro Football Focus thought highly of Kelly, ranking his 81.4 overall grade third among qualified rookie linebackers. Arvell Reese led the pack at 88.2, which in itself is excellent news for the Giants.
What should New York Giants fans expect from rookie linebacker Jack Kelly?
As we’ve previously pointed out, PFF grades are noticeably divisive and subjective. The eye test and input from those who played the game are far more reliable than whatever PFF says, as Giants fans saw firsthand with Dexter Lawrence last year.
The takeaway shouldn’t be that PFF’s analysts love Kelly. Instead, we should collectively focus more on the fact that he validated the constant positivity and excitement surrounding the rookie linebacker.
For the unfamiliar, Kelly began his college career at FCS Weber State, then transferred to BYU after the 2023 season. He recorded 15 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss during his two years with the Cougars, and he was one of only 17 FBS players with at least 10 sacks last season.
Kelly more than held his own throughout offseason workouts and training camp. He turned heads during an Aug. 1 practice when he kept pace with speedy receiver Calvin Austin III on a deep route and broke up the pass.
Although Kelly survived final cuts, it’ll likely take injuries for him to earn meaningful reps at linebacker. He’ll either contribute on special teams or be a gameday scratch. If the latter happens, then he and veteran receiver Darius Slayton can spend Sundays bonding on the sideline.
As of Monday morning, the Giants had not been credibly linked to any linebackers who’d either been cut or were available via trade.
But for now, let’s focus on the positive. Kelly seemingly has a path to playing time, and Giants fans old enough to remember the Miracle at the New Meadowlands know firsthand how an entire game can change via special teams.
Sorry to bring up the memories, all. Maybe Kelly would’ve been the one to knock DeSean Jackson to the ground and help the Giants sneak into the playoffs. It’s too bad that he was only seven years old at the time.
Oh, man. It’s already been 16 years!? Ouch.
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