WATCH: Former Tennessee running back John Kelly finds end zone in NFL
Former Tennessee running back John Kelly gave Cleveland Browns fans a glimpse of what he can do Sunday. Kelly broke free to the left in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Giants, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run.
John Kelly played three seasons for the Tennessee from 2015-17. His most successful season came as a junior, when he finished with 1,077 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. However, Tennessee finished 0-8 in SEC play that year.
The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He spent the past three seasons with the team getting limited work. He has just 30 career carries.
Kelly signed with the Browns during this offseason. Cleveland already has its running back situation sorted out, with Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb firmly at the top of the depth chart. It’s likely we see the former Volunteer again take on a smaller role unless injuries or suspensions change things.
The Browns play their final game of the preseason next Sunday against Atlanta. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener, 23-13. Kelly had eight carries for -1 yards in that contest.
At just 5-foot-9, the former Tennessee running back John Kelly must rely on his speed to make plays often. That was on full display during his touchdown run in Sunday’s preseason game.
The regular season then kicks off Sept. 12 with a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s probably unlikely that we see Kelly take the field in that one. The Brown should leave things to Hunt, Chubb and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Regardless of what kind of role he plays, it’s simply good to see Kelly still has the talent to be of value to an NFL team. Hopefully he can continue to make a positive impact in his minimal role with his new team.