Cole Kelley Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report

QB, Southeastern Louisiana University, #15

Cole Kelley’s Scouting Report Measurements

6’7” / 249

Arms: 33 ¾”

Hands: 9 ⅞”

Wingspan: 81 ¼”

Cole Kelley NFL Draft Profile

From highly-touted power five recruit to one of the most successful players in FCS history, let’s explore what traits make Cole Kelley an intriguing developmental prospect at the quarterback position.

College Career

 A former three-star recruit out of Teurlings Catholic High School (LA), Cole Kelley began his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas. After redshirting his freshman season, Kelley struggled to find consistency with the Razorbacks. He made six total starts over the next two campaigns. In November 2018, Kelley was arrested and charged with a DWI. This incident and a relative lack of playing time, resulted in the quarterback’s decision to enter the transfer portal.

SE Louisiana QB Cole Kelley

SE Louisiana QB Cole Kelley

Kelley ultimately decided to return to his home state and accept a scholarship offer to play for Southeastern Louisiana University. Over the course of the next three seasons, the Louisiana native would solidify his status as a premier passer at the FCS level. He would throw for 8,602 yards across 33 games. After serving as the backup quarterback in 2019, Kelley emerged as the undisputed starter the following season. Kelley finished near the top of the FCS in both yards and touchdowns. The 2020 Walter Payton Award winner continued his dominance in 2021; contributing 60 total touchdowns against only 10 interceptions. He also lead Southeastern to the 2nd round of the FCS playoffs.

By the end of his three seasons with the Lions, Kelley would finish with one of the best statistical careers in FCS history. In fact, he set the all-time record for career completion percentage.

Cole Kelley Strengths

Size

The first aspect of Cole Kelley’s profile that immediately jumps out is his incredible size. Kelley stands at 6’7” and nearly 250 lbs. He is an imposing figure who regularly uses his stature to his advantage. It allows him to absorb pressure or drive the ball forward. Kelley’s height allows him to survey all areas of the field and operate confidently within the confines of a shrinking pocket. On film, Kelley often uses his unique build to operate with a physical edge. He does this by relying on his strength to fight for extra yards and initiate contact as a runner.

Mobility

Despite his towering frame, the quarterback has surprising mobility, as evidenced by his 16 TDs and 491 yards rushing this past season. Although he lacks elite speed or quickness, Kelley is a confident and physical runner. Kelley is capable of using his legs to create plays. His unparalleled size will make him an immediate short-yardage threat. He could be interesting when running goal-line packages. Kelley’s unique combination of size and mobility will certainly be a key selling point for teams during the evaluation process.

Release

Kelley’s smooth delivery is another appealing aspect of his game. He uses a fluid, consistent arm motion to get the ball out to his receivers. Similarly, a high release allows him to use his size to his advantage. This helps him drive the ball to all levels of the field. If he can continue to improve the quickness of his release,  Kelley’s efficiency will benefit his accuracy and overall performance at the next level.

Cole Kelley Weaknesses

Consistency

Kelley has steadily produced over his last three seasons at Southeastern, yet he lacks consistency when it comes to mechanics and footwork. When deliberate with his technique, Kelley has shown the adequate arm strength and accuracy necessary for the NFL level. On film, there are plenty of throws where the ball zips out of his hand directly to the receiver. Unfortunately, there are equally as many plays where poor technique and sloppy mechanics result in an underthrown ball. Finding consistency with his footwork will be a determining factor towards whether Kelley can succeed in the pros.

Pocket Awareness

One of the major weaknesses in Kelley’s profile is his ability, or lack thereof, to diagnose pressure and adjust accordingly. The quarterback often steps into the blitz, locking onto a specific target and failing to recognize the action directly in front of him. He fails to manipulate the pocket to his advantage, often using his size and strength to bail him out. Similarly, his tendency to get stuck on a single read allows defenders to follow his eyes to the target. In order to succeed at the next level, Kelley will need to improve both his pocket awareness and field vision.

Level Of Competition

SE Louisiana QB Cole Kelley

SE Louisiana QB Cole Kelley

Despite his production over the past three seasons, the level of competition faced by Kelley during that span is underwhelming to say the least. Although he performed well against other FCS standouts like Sam Houston State CB Zyon McCollum, most of his performances came against low-level opponents with a lack of NFL size and talent. That’s not to say Kelley can’t succeed at the next level. He performed well against a number of FBS talents at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.  However, Southeastern’s weak schedule combined with his relatively poor performance while at Arkansas will hurt his NFL draft stock.

Cole Kelley Draft Stock

Following three dominant seasons at the FCS level, Kelley profiles as an enticing Day 3 option at the quarterback position. Strong performances throughout this cycle, highlighted by the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, have seen Kelley’s stock steadily rise throughout this process. As a developmental prospect, Kelley’s unparalleled size and fluid release will endear him to teams. His production, albeit at the FCS level, is sure to grab the attention of evaluators. However, his decision not to test at either the NFL Combine, or Southeastern’s pro-day may create questions about his overall athleticism.

Since joining Southeastern, Kelley has been praised as a leader and locker-room presence, helping to assuage concerns stemming from his off-field issues at Arkansas. Although he still struggles to make multiple reads and identify pressure, Kelley’s ceiling is undeniable. Someone will take a shot on his potential, the real question is which team believes they can get the most out of his raw abilities.

NFL Comparison

Kelley’s profile, as a prospect, is similar to that of 49ers’ quarterback Nate Sudfeld. The former Indiana quarterback mirrored Kelley in both size and play style at the collegiate level.

Final Thoughts on Cole Kelley Scouting Report

Ultimately, in what is a relatively weak quarterback class, I believe Kelley has the “unteachable” traits necessary to justify an early 6th round pick. He is best suited for a role as a developmental, third-string quarterback. He should have the opportunity to learn and develop for a few seasons before possibly taking on a larger role. His size and mobility will provide him early opportunities to serve as a gadget player in goal line formations. However, his lack of consistent mechanics will prevent him from playing significant snaps early on in his career.

Cole Kelley Scouting Report Analyst-Ryan Kalukin.