NFL Draft Week is finally here! The excitement for fans, coaches, front office executives, and draft prospects is at an all time high, as the offseason continues to progress. Let’s play the general manager role, and project what the Chiefs will do with their draft picks.
Round 2, 54th Overall
Donte Jackson, Cornerback, LSU
Jackson flies up and down the field with explosive speed. He has the length to take chances and be aggressive in coverage. Jackson would add versatility to Kansas City’s defensive backfield, being able to play outside or in the slot. This could be a perfect pick to complement the loss of Ron Parker.
Round 3, 78th Overall
Kemoko Turay, EDGE, Rutgers
Turay is a pass rusher who’s potential is sky high. Rutgers has struggled in recent history, but Turay stands out more than anyone in pass defense situations. One thing that makes Turay an interesting pick for Kansas City, teams can line him up anywhere along the defensive line. This would allow defensive coordinator Bob Sutton to run Turay at opposing quarterbacks with Justin Houston, Dee Ford and Chris Jones in the many full force blitz packages that he loves to call.
Round 3, 86th Overall
Fred Warner, Linebacker, BYU
Warner is being touted by many as the most underrated linebacker in the 2018 NFL Draft class. Warner looks the part of a linebacker with his size, but with his speed, he plays like a defensive back. Warner’s instincts are a plus, and it allows him to read plays quickly and stuff runners for a tackle for loss. Warner would fit in just fine with Reggie Ragland and newly signed Anthony Hitchens up the middle.
Round 4, 122nd Overall
Kameron Kelly, Safety, San Diego State
Kelly is a safety who teams feel can offer stability at the back end of a defense. Kelly also offers top end speed and the ability to help in run support. It is impressive that Kelly is able to flip the field and cut it in half like he does. If the Chiefs add him to their defense, Eric Berry could be put in more positions that create unusual mismatches for the opposing offense.
Round 4, 124th Overall
P.J. Hall, Defensive Lineman, Sam Houston State
Following his pro day at Sam Houston State, Hall is gaining more attention from teams. Hall is a stout run defender, who has racked up plenty of tackles for loss. There is some concern about his below average height (6’1”) against NFL offensive linemen, but he has enough power and explosiveness to make up for it. Hall would be a good depth for the Chiefs to rotate in and out along the defensive line.
Round 6, 196th Overall
Scott Quessenberry, Center, Guard, UCLA
With Zach Fulton heading away to the Houston Texans in free agency, it wouldn’t hurt to add depth at offensive line. Quessenberry would also be the perfect replacement for Fulton, as he could play at either center or guard. Head coach Andy Reid is never shy about adding offensive line help as well. Quessenberry has experience, being a starter for the better part of four years for the Bruins of UCLA. The Chiefs find a nice fit with a good blocker and depth in the sixth round.
Round 7, 233rd Overall
Kahlil McKenzie, Defensive Lineman, Tennessee
With one of their seventh rounders, the Chiefs take a defensive lineman who is the son of the rival Raiders’ general manager Reggie McKenzie. McKenzie has credited his bloodline in being a big help in the draft process. McKenzie has a perfect frame for playing defensive lineman in the NFL. The potential for McKenzie is there, but overall he is still a work in progress.
Round 7, 243rd Overall
Jester Weah, Wide Receiver, Pitt
Weah is a big receiver who’s hands is his biggest strength. The Chiefs already have plenty of wide receivers, but the impact that Weah could inject into Kansas City’s offense if given the chance could add a little something extra. Weah also would be a complement to a passer like Mahomes, because Weah runs vertical routes very well.
