Despite early projections of a position battle between Kyu Blu Kelly and Darien Porter, it appears that No. 36 is primed for another slot with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders’ cornerback competition has taken an unexpected turn. What started as a direct battle between Porter and Kelly for the starting outside corner position has changed following Kelly’s recent return from injury. The 24-year-old defensive back is now positioned at nickelback, as reported by The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, indicating that Pete Carroll may envision a different role for him.
The latest on Kyu Blu Kelly and his Raiders future…
Kelly had been sidelined after tweaking his hamstring during camp. Carroll made it clear that the move was precautionary, not catastrophic. “Just felt his hamstring a little bit,” Carroll explained recently. “It isn’t a pull necessarily, but he felt it enough that as soon as we get those messages, we stop the guy. We don’t want to get to the next level too fast. The cautious approach is understandable for a player who is still working to secure a long-term position in the league. In fact, Carroll is doing a commendable job of safeguarding his young player from potential harm.
The positional shift could be as significant as the recovery itself. The role of nickelback has emerged as one of the most crucial positions in today’s NFL, where agile slot receivers and hybrid tight ends demand versatile defenders. For Kelly, this shift presents a chance to establish a unique role and enhance his worth within a highly competitive secondary. If anyone is adept at recognizing and nurturing Kelly’s potential, it’s Carroll. Carroll, as a defensive back expert, will put these young players in the most advantageous situations, at the very least.
A rough journey thus far…
Kelly’s journey has been challenging. He transitioned between three teams during his rookie season; a rough start, to say the least. Kelly finally found stability with the Raiders in 2024. Last season, he played in four games, so at least he got some reps in. His return for the 2025 season offers a real opportunity for him to secure a spot on the final roster.
Whether he ultimately settles into the role of outside cornerback or nickelback, his adaptability could very well be the key factor that determines his future in Silver and Black.
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*Top Photo: Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun