Nyjalik Kelly inks UDFA deal with Green Bay after a standout UCF career. He brings a playmaker's mentality to the Packers' defense.
Following the NFL Draft, multiple former UCF Knights signed UDFA contracts with NFL franchises, including defensive end Nyjalik Kelly.
Kelly was one of two Knights who attended the NFL Draft Combine, joining Malachi Lawrence, who was selected in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys.
Kelly was seen as a day-3 pick or undrafted free agent entering the draft and ended up landing with the Green Bay Packers.
He joins UCF running back Jaden Nixon, who also signed an UDFA deal with the Packers.
Kelly had an impressive senior season for UCF, tallying three sacks and 46 tackles en route to an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He also led the squad with eight quarterback hurries.
He was a big time playmaker, forcing a team-high two fumbles and hauling in his only career interception. Both fumbles Kelly forced (vs N.C. A&T and West Virginia) were returned for touchdowns.
Kelly was previously seeking a possible medical redshirt from missed time earlier in his career, but made the decision to enter the NFL draft, penning a heartfelt message to Knight Nation.
"I have been blessed and fortunate over the past two seasons, to have played for Coach Frost and the entire Knights Coaching Staff. Thank you for the amazing opportunity to be a part of Knight Nation," Kelly wrote.
Kelly racked up 12.5 sacks during his career, while accumulating over 100 tackles.
After a standout high school career at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Kelly began his career at Miami before transferring to UCF for his final two seasons.
Back in 2021, 247 Sports Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins predicted that Kelly had the ability to make it to the NFL.
"Should emerge as a multi-year starter and potentially an all-conference type of a player for a Top 25 program. NFL upside if everything comes together," Ivins wrote.
Ivins saw Kelly's youth and upside that he could bring to a program as a huge benefit, as well as his abiltities.
"Quick first step allows him to fire off the ball and get vertical. Flexibility allows him to bend and run the corner. Does a nice job of getting home and making the play more times than not," Ivins wrote.
Kelly steps into a highly-regarded franchise with Green Bay, having the opportunity to watch and learn from Micah Parsons, who has become one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.
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