Malcolm Kelly didn't participate in the NFL Scouting Combine over the weekend due to the same lingering quad injury that kept him out of the Fiesta Bowl.
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Sitting out the combine might have been the best thing for the former Oklahoma wide receiver.
Kelly emerged as the top receiver available in the NFL Draft over the weekend without lifting a weight or running a step.
That's because the combine exposed his primary competition, revealing that Mario Manningham isn't fast enough (he posted a pedestrian 4.6 40-time) and DeSean Jackson isn't big enough (he measured in at 5-foot-9, 167 pounds).
Barring a total flameout at a private workout he plans to have in April, Kelly (6-3 5/8, 224) will tussle with Texas' Limas Sweed (6-4, 216) for the No. 1 wide receiver spot on NFL draft boards.
And all of a sudden look who might be in the market for a wide receiver.
That's right, the New England Patriots, who have the seventh overall pick and quietly allowed starter Donte' Stallworth to become a free agent late last week by declining the option on his contract.
Though New England also has a pressing need at cornerback, teaming up Kelly with Randy Moss and Wes Welker might be too enticing for the Patriots to pass up.
Kelly often saw double coverage at OU, but he still finished with 144 catches and 21 touchdowns during his three-year career.
Imagine what Kelly could do with Moss and Welker commanding the attention of defenses.
But even if the Patriots take someone else, Kelly should still go high in the first round.
With all three of their receivers standing 5-10 or less, the Buffalo Bills are looking for a big receiving target for young quarterback Trent Edwards.
Buffalo is almost certain to select either Kelly or Sweed with the 11th pick.
But if Buffalo, too, bypasses Kelly, Sooner fans could really have an NFL team to root for.
That's because the Minnesota Vikings (17th pick) are in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver to take pressure off tailback Adrian Peterson and the running game.
And who better than the receiver who did the same for Peterson in college.
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I watched a documentary of sorts on ESPN with Adrian on it. They asked him what he did to run so great against Da Bears. He said "to be honest, I had a cup of coffee, never had it before and I think it helped". He said that's now a pregame ritual for him. :)
We already have an have an NFL team to root for in the ChicagOU Bears with Dusty Dvorcek, Tommy Harris, Mark Bradley, and JD Runnels. I admit some bias as I've been a Bears fan all my life and, while I still wish him well, can't stand the fact AD went to any team in the NFC North. And his 2 games against my Bears this year clearly explains why.
I would think the Vikings would need a better quarterback over a better wide receiver. It doesn't matter how good the wide receiver is, if the quarterback can't get the ball to him.
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Former Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. By BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN archive
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