NFL1000 Scouting Notebook: Undrafted Rookie ‘Fat Rob’ Is NFL’s Hidden Gem at RB

Welcome to Bleacher Report’s NFL1000 Scouting Notebook, a weekly series where we’ll use the power of the 16-man NFL1000 scouting department to bring you fresh insights into the league and explain some of the more interesting (and potentially controversial) grades we give players every week.  

The full list of NFL1000 grades will be released Thursday, and we will attempt to preview some of what we are seeing in our film analysis here. 

This week, we will go through a few hot topics, including a pair of Washington Redskins who are breaking out, and scouts will answer questions on Aaron Rodgers, Jadeveon Clowney and much more. But first, let’s start out with some film analysis of Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley.

The All-22: Robert Kelley Becoming a RB Revelation in Washington

Written by John Middlekauff

When opportunity comes in the NFL, players must be ready to take advantage, and rookie running back Robert Kelley has taken full advantage of every carry this season. An undrafted free agent, “Fat Rob” became Washington’s full-time starter three weeks ago and has not looked back since. Over that time, he has rushed for 321 yards (4.79 yards per carry) and scored four touchdowns. His quick rise to stardom has relegated former starter Matt Jones to the bench—Jones has been a healthy scratch the past two weeks—and it looks like that won’t change anytime soon.

Kelley has been a force for the Redskins. He is a natural inside runner, especially in the zone scheme. He has excellent vision and patience when pressing the hole, and a natural north-and-south style allowing him to get upfield in a hurry. He wants to get downhill and has no problem lowering his shoulder on contact. He is always falling forward and is a physical finisher. The play below captures all of this and shows Kelley breaking arm tackles with ease.

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While Kelley isn’t the most elusive back, he is able to make defenders miss in space. He’s big and has great feet that allow him to get around guys despite being more of a straight-line player. In the play below, he eluded one of the best safeties in the NFL, Harrison Smith, while breaking off a big run.  

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Plays like that have to excite Washington head coach Jay Gruden.

While Kelly isn’t going to blaze past anyone with 4.3 speed, he does have more than adequate speed and endurance, which makes him seem to get faster as the game goes on as defenses wear down. A great example of this was his 23rd carry against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night: 

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This 66-yard gallop was the final nail in Green Bay’s coffin, as Kelley ran in a four-yard touchdown to ice the game on the next play. As games wear on and defenses fatigue, Kelley seems to build momentum and wear out his opponents.

In the passing game, the Redskins do not ask Kelley to do much because they rely on Chris Thompson for those situations. Kelly is solid in pass protection, though, as he’s strong enough to handle linebackers and has a good feel for moving in the pocket, picking up potential blitzing defenders.

The Redskins have found a gem in Kelley. He is a great complement to their deep passing game, bringing an old-school physical element to the nation’s capital. The Redskins will need him to continue producing if they’re to make another late playoff push in 2016.

Scouting with Schofield: Jamison Crowder

Written by Mark Schofield

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