Seahawks CB Kyu Kelly: Is New Addition Ready for Rams?

The Seattle Seahawks clearly see potential in fifth-round rookie cornerback Kyu Kelly. Will he make an impact on Seattle’s secondary sooner rather than later?

The Seattle Seahawks have typically prided themselves on employing a physical, yet proficient defensive backfield. 

With the potentially high-octane offense of quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams heading to the Emerald City for both teams’ season-opener, newly-acquired rookie cornerback Kyu Kelly may end up playing a role within the Seahawks’ secondary sooner rather than later. 

Seattle claimed the Stanford product off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, who cut him during mandatory roster reductions. Kelly played over 100 snaps during the preseason at cornerback for Baltimore, contributing six total tackles and one pass breakup. In order to accommodate his new home on the 53-man roster, the team waived veteran cornerback Artie Burns, who subsequently signed with Seattle’s practice squad. 

Kelly was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round (no. 157 overall) of this year's NFL Draft. The son of former 11-year NFL-veteran cornerback Brian Kelly, the Stanford product is expected to add another element to the Seahawks' defensive backfield in 2023. In fact, our Corbin K. Smith for AllSeahawks.com predicted prior to the draft that Seattle might be wise to consider adding him to its stable of defensive backs.

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As a former track star, he possesses both the speed and athleticism to remain in step with receivers in coverage. While most proficient in man coverage, Kelly has the ability to play in some Cover 3, as well. He is aggressive at the catch point but could use some improvement in his engagement when playing off-coverage. As such, he has the chance to provide the Seahawks with another potentially-explosive playmaker within their secondary.

In the defensive backfield, first-round rookie phenom Devon Witherspoon is expected to be the Seahawks’ alpha cornerback, though he'll have to get healthy. However, Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently indicated that Witherspoon’s hamstring injury may cause the team to proceed with caution with regard to his pro debut.  

“A little bit,” Schneider told reporters on Monday when asked about his level of concern surrounding Witherspoon’s health. “He had a hamstring in the spring, got himself ready to run his 40 (yard-dash), and had a little bit of a setback during camp,” “We have to be smart with it. He’s doing great. We’ll see how he does this week now … We’re probably going to have to govern him a little bit.”

Should Witherspoon be unable to play, or limited in his action, veteran Michael Jackson is expected to see the majority of the action on the right side of the perimeter. On the left side, Seattle is expected to start Pro Bowler Tariq Woolen. 

Though Kelly is unlikely to challenge either of the projected starting corners, he should be a notable depth option, capable of contributing with Tre Brown in relief of Woolen on the left. 

The Seahawks and Rams will open the season on Sunday at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m.