Ryan Kelly
C, Alabama · 2016 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #18 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position. Details below.
- Position
C (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #32 (#1 at his position), close to where he went (#18).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Alabama: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.03 40-yard dash at 311 lbs: faster than 86% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 129 of ~165 possible regular-season games from 2016 through 2025 (~78%).
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 129 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 56 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 56.0 |
| Receiving | 1 rec, -4 yds, undefined TD |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2016 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2016 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 311 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.03 s |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Vertical | 30" |
| Broad jump | 103" |
| 3-cone | 7.58 s |
| Shuttle | 4.59 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.38" / 9.63" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #32 overall (#1 C) |
Picked around him 2016 redraft
| 15 | Corey Coleman | redraft #148 |
| 16 | Taylor Decker | redraft #21 |
| 17 | Keanu Neal | redraft #75 |
| 19 | Shaq Lawson | redraft #78 |
| 20 | Darron Lee | redraft #87 |
| 21 | Will Fuller | redraft #77 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.