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Colorado Buffaloes: Seniors Playing to be Drafted

By Gordon Trickel

Sep 10, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; General view of Folsom Field during the second half of the game between the Idaho State Bengals against the Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffaloes defeated the Bengals 56-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; General view of Folsom Field during the second half of the game between the Idaho State Bengals against the Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffaloes defeated the Bengals 56-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center Alex Kelley (74) reacts with fans following the win over the Massachusetts Minutemen at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Minutemen 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center Alex Kelley (74) reacts with fans following the win over the Massachusetts Minutemen at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Minutemen 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Another senior with draft hopes in the guy who snaps the ball to Liufua, Alex Kelley. Offensive linemen are all about technique and proper scheme fits. With what has been seen so far, it looks like Kelley can play well in any kind of scheme.

What will help Kelley a lot is that draft classes for centers always tend to be weak and 2017’s center class looks week now. Kelley could easily go in the fourth-sixth round range just due to how weak it looks to be. Of course juniors declaring could strengthen it.

There is a lot of time still in the season and Kelley’s play can drop, but he has played really well in the two games so far. He has protected his quarterback and opened holes in the run game. Getting more consistent and staying consistent will be key.

One issue with all college offensive linemen is that most college teams don’t coach up their offensive linemen to play in the NFL. This has lead to many busts, and project offensive linemen. From what has been seen from Kelley, he could fall into that “project” narrative.

Right now though, Kelley looks like he would make for a solid mid/late round draft pick to grow into a center, or even a guard in the right scheme.

Next: Nose Tackle Josh Tupou

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