Ivory Kelly-Martin Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report
Ivory Kelly-Martin, University of Iowa, Running Back
Measurements
5’10” 200 lbs.
40 time: 4.57 (estimate)
Ivory Kelly-Martin NFL Draft Player Profile
After five years with Iowa, Ivory Kelly-Martin has decided to forgo his Covid-eligibility and leave the Hawkeyes. He finished 2021 with 804 yards rushing. Not too bad for a year’s work, but a little less impressive considering that was the best he did during his entire tenure with the Hawkeyes. He was a platoon back that never could quite take over the lead role. There were flashes here and there, but it seemed the Hawkeyes always trusted someone more. The last three years, Tyler Goodson clearly became the top guy in the program.
So now, IKM moves onto the NFL Draft. Considering pedestrian statistics and no standout abilities, it’s going to be an uphill climb. I doubt he’ll get an invite to the NFL Combine, but I can’t imagine he’ll be a pro day standout in Iowa City.
Ivory Kelly-Martin Strengths
Vision
His best quality is likely his vision where he can create some big gains on the ground.
There’s no fancy stuff going on here, just Kelly-Martin exploding through the hole at the line of scrimmage. He recognizes where the defense has help at the second level and breaks it to the far side of the field where there is a ton of open space. From the film, it doesn’t look like he has great top-level speed as he is unable to break it for a touchdown. But a 57-yard gain is a pretty solid offensive contribution. Considering Nebraska had already given up 49 points, they had likely seen all of Iowa’s best plays at this point, but IKM was able to overcome the blackshirts for a big gain.
Ivory Kelly-Martin Draft Stock
Ivory Kelly-Martin was a good back for the Hawkeyes, but he never really had a chance to stand out. Unless he pulls off a 4.3 at his pro day, I can’t see him getting any draft consideration. He should get a camp invite, but he is going to get very limited opportunities to show his skills so he’s going to have to shine whenever he gets a chance. I have trouble seeing him making an NFL roster, much like the original Heisman Trophy Winner.
NFL Comparison: Jay Berwanger
