PewterReport has already discussed how Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly could be a target for the Bucs in the 2023 NFL Draft. He also told us that playing for the same team as his father “would be a dream come true.” With the Senior Bowl week he’s had and based on his interviews, Kelly seems to be a perfect fit with the Bucs.

Kelly Had An Impressive Senior Bowl Week

Let’s start by looking at the week Kelly had down in Mobile, Ala., a week that should solidify him as an early Day 2 pick. For his performances in practice, he was voted the National team cornerback of the week by his wide receiver peers.

Kelly displayed impressive anticipation and jump on the routes run by opposing receivers and tight ends. On this play, he baited the quarterback from his flat zone and forced an incompletion:

Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly – Photo by: USA Today

Talking with Kelly on Wednesday, he remained humble on what aspect of his game he’d like to improve.

“I’d say just, you know, in everything,” Kelly said. “Playing different schemes now, you’re in zone and man, I’m just trying to maximize my potential in both of those. Whether it’s press coverage, [off-ball], or if it’s Cover 2, Cover 3, making sure I’m a master at everything I can before I reach the next level.”

His coverage instincts are a product of having NFL bloodlines from his father, Brian Kelly. The senior Kelly spent a decade in Tampa Bay, and in the team’s 2002 Super Bowl-winning season, he had a league-leading eight interceptions.

Kelly demonstrated the ability to make big plays like his dad once did on the field. On this throw to Stanford teammate Elijah Higgins, he displayed great control to snatch it for a pick-six:

And count Kelly as someone who could save the waterboy from an errant throw to the sideline.

Kelly’s High Football IQ Comes From Dad

Kelly has developed into a top cornerback prospect that surely has more eyes on him from evaluators across NFL front offices after his standout performance. What has gotten him this far is by watching film with another set of eyes; his dad’s. Kelly talked about what he has gained from all of those sit-downs over the years.

Former Bucs CB Brian Kelly – Photo by: USA Today

“Reading receivers, just knowing their releases, how they play; every receiver’s different. Every receiver moves differently. Every offense is different. Every offensive coordinator calls the game differently. Just watching the game and being able to know how to play, when to play, and when to make plays.”

This started at a young age, as his dad was starting to coach him on making plays as an infant.

“One [year old], [laughs],” Kelly said. “Life coaching, man. He’s been a coach forever. He’s my idol, best friend, father at the same time, and coach. Anything, anything I need, I ask him.”

It isn’t always Kelly doing the asking. When his dad’s friend asked him to be part of a Microsoft team as a video game designer, Kelly jumped at the chance.

“I’m with the team, it’s not just me designing,” Kelly said. “I was actually able to be on the creative team. Crazy story; my dad had a friend who was producing a movie, I can’t talk too much about it. He was like, ‘you should make a video game out of this.’

“He and his friend knew nothing about video games. I played a few, I have a background. I just scripted and storyboarded some stuff, and they loved it. I’m just storyboarding, creating, and directing, so it’s nice.”

While it sounds like he has a post-playing career option lined up, it is evident that Kelly is someone with a bright head on his shoulders. His level of football knowledge should allow him to create and direct a successful NFL career.

Bucs Show Interest In Kelly

The Bucs have recently selected the son of an NFL defensive back, and it’s worked out pretty well. In 2020, the team selected Antoine Winfield Jr., who has already become a Pro Bowler and surely will garner future selections.

Could Kelly be the next second-generation member of the secondary? He already sounds like a cornerback head coach Todd Bowles would love to have in the building.

“Whatever team gets me, I’ll always be happy, but I’ve been watching Tampa Bay a long time,” Kelly said. “I feel like playing under Todd Bowles’ defense would be a great opportunity. Playing as I am, a longer corner but able to run and have quickness. I feel like I excel in that defense for sure.”

Take it for what you will, but by how Kelly worded it, the Bucs seem to have significant interest in him.

“They were actually the second team I talked to during the whole media thing we did with them,” Kelly said. “Talking to 16 teams and then 16 later on this week.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“It’s a long day, but it’s a great opportunity to be out there with those guys and actually see [general managers] and head coaches. Yeah, I had a good talk with the Tampa Bay Bucs.”

The Bucs selected Winfield Jr. with the 45th overall selection in that 2020 draft. Drafting at No.50 this year, the Bucs selecting Kelly would strike a similar comparison in the second round. Kelly is an intriguing player that is destined to carve out his own path.

“I relish that I have a father who played in the league at the same position as me, but I also [want to] make a name for myself. One day, they’ll remember me as just Kyu Blu Kelly but also as the son of one of the greatest. At the same time, I made a career for myself.”