Los Angeles Chargers: Rookie RB Joshua Kelley could play a major role
Keep an eye on Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Joshua Kelley.
The Los Angeles Chargers called Melvin Gordon‘s bluff and are moving on without him at the running back position. This means that Austin Ekeler will likely take on an expanded role in the offense and will likely be their featured back in 2020. However, Ekeler is primarily a speed back who makes a majority of his impact in the passing game. The Chargers will have to find someone to find those tough yards on the inside.
Justin Jackson is likely the current leader to get these carries, but he is currently dealing with a foot injury and has not exactly dominated through the first two years of his NFL career. In the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers invested in their running back situation by bringing in Joshua Kelley out of UCLA. If all things are equal, I imagine that they would like Kelley to be the main backup option for Ekeler.
Kelley has a strong combination of power and speed
Kelley is not the kind of back who is going to make many defenders miss in space, but he is a strong and physical runner who will put his head down and get as many yards as possible. He does a great job of keeping a low center of gravity and consistently keeps his feet moving through contact.
Kelley also shows impressive contact balance and strong burst through the hole. If he finds a crease, he does a fantastic job of hitting the hole hard and exploding into the open field. He has legitimate game-breaking speed when he is in the open field.
Simply put, Kelley is a talented running back who has an impressive combination of power and speed with the ball in his hands. He should not be relied on as the primary back this early in his career, but he is undoubtedly an exciting playmaker who can make in an impact in a limited role.
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The Chargers would be wise to use Kelley as the primary back in short-yardage situations this season and as a player who can give Ekeler a break when needed. If he plays well, he suddenly becomes a valuable piece for the Chargers for the next few years. Giving him the opportunity to prove himself is the key.