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Chargers: RB Joshua Kelley set for a massive role in year-one

By Cory Kinnan

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: Joshua Kelley #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers stretches during the Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 20, 2020 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: Joshua Kelley #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers stretches during the Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 20, 2020 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /
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Chargers RB Joshua Kelley
Chargers: RB Joshua Kelley set for a massive role in year-one. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Rookie running back Joshua Kelley is set to shine right away with the Chargers

Out with Melvin Gordon, and an extension for Austin Ekeler. The Los Angeles Chargers saw a ton of action at the running back position this offseason. This included the selection of UCLA’s Joshua Kelley in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft after one of the stronger pre-draft processes of any running back.

Given the role Gordon leaves behind, the Chargers have a large variety of touches to hand out in the backfield in 2020. Rumor has it, Kelley is on his way to winning that role as he has been flashing early on in training camp.

Expectations are there for Joshua Kelley with the Chargers

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Kelley showed the ability to be a versatile back during his time with the Bruins, which is why the Chargers took him to start day-three of the draft last April. Given the shelf life of running backs, this draft slot shows a willingness to invest in the position with a premium asset, a move the Chargers will expect Kelley to fulfill during his tenure in Los Angeles.

After back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons with the Bruins, Kelley shows the ability to be an every-down back. While Ekeler will still lead the backfield for the Chargers, Kelley could still see a fair share of touches out of the Los Angeles backfield as the second running back on the depth chart.

Adjust your fantasy football rankings accordingly

While Kelley may not be a significant contributor on a week-to-week basis for the Chargers, he is a late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts, especially those of the dynasty variety. Should he win the RB2 job in Los Angeles, he will be just one injury away from seeing the lion’s share of carries.

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Kelley is halfway to winning a large share of touches in Los Angeles. Keep an eye on him as a fantasy football sleeper, and as a significant contributor in his rookie season in 2020.

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