The final pick of the 2017 NFL draft was former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, selected as the No. 253 overall selection, making him this year’s Mr. Irrelevant. Kelly, who played two seasons with the Rebels, was drafted despite not getting an invite to the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, reportedly because of his “off-field issues,” which he has had a few of.
NFL Network called Chad Kelly a ‘fearless gunslinger,’ and that’s especially awkward
In 2014, Kelly allegedly told a bouncer he was going to “get his AK-47 and spray this place.”
One of those was an incident in 2014, back when Kelly was still just an Ole Miss signee, having transferred from East Mississippi CC and Clemson. While at a Buffalo, N.Y. bar, he allegedly told a bouncer he was going to “get his AK-47 and spray this place.”
After Kelly was drafted, the NFL Network awkwardly described one of Kelly’s strength as being “a fearless gunslinger.”
Kelly, the nephew of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, was charged with disorderly conduct for the incident. In January 2015, Kelly reached a plea deal and performed 50 hours of community service. Denver GM John Elway said that he spoke with Kelly’s Uncle Jim about his nephew’s off-field issues, because of course, that’s an unbiased opinion, right?
Another off-field incident Kelly was involved in was during his brother’s high school football game. After an on-field fight broke out, Kelly had to be restrained on the sideline from getting involved.
The other major setbacks Kelly has had while preparing for the NFL draft include the torn ACL and LCL he suffered before the end of his season last year and his wrist injury that ended his Pro Day after a few minutes — he subsequently needed surgery for that.
See More:
