Redskins' Rob Kelley: Could get competition from draft

Despite saying that he loves Kelley (knee) and thinks he's a great player, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden acknowledged that the upcoming draft has some special running backs that will be difficult to pass up, Rich Tandler of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Kelley was a pleasant surprise for Washington as an undrafted rookie, taking 168 carries for 704 yards (4.2 YPC) and notching six touchdowns, with the vast majority of that production coming in the final nine games while he served as the lead back. Although the Redskins might be content going to battle with a backfield comprised of Kelley and pass-catching specialist Chris Thompson, the team could be tempted by the prospect of acquiring a more explosive runner during the first few rounds of the draft. Kelley displayed good power, vision and instincts as a rookie, but he doesn't possess the speed, agility and explosiveness that most teams desire from a lead runner. He also didn't contribute much as a receiver, catching 12 of 18 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. Kelley sits atop the depth chart heading into the draft, but it's quite possible he'll ultimately have to battle a rookie for the starting gig. His minor offseason knee surgery doesn't seem to be a concern.