It’s been a while since we have done a full seven-round mock draft. So it’s time to do another one with around two weeks to go until the 2019 NFL Draft. The Chiefs have added their share of free agents and trade acquisitions since our first mock draft. Just like the first mock draft, I used a simulation tool to complete this mock.
1st Round- 29th Overall
Cornerback, Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
At this point, if the Chiefs still select at 29th overall and do not trade up, I think that cornerback is the way to go. Given the moves made at defensive end in free agency, Kansas City would not have to be as urgent in selecting an edge rusher in Round One like before. This cornerback class is really odd. I do think Amani Oruwariye could be the second-best cornerback come draft night.
Oruwariye has the length to play press at the line of scrimmage. But, he can also excel in zone coverage, particularly in Cover 3. His abilities allow him to be versatile in many different roles. Oruwariye’s effort and upside present an instant starter. Give me Amani O to add to the outside of the defense.
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2nd Round- 61st Overall
Defensive Lineman, Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Dexter Lawrence playing next to Chris Jones up front? Sign me up. Lawrence is one of the best run defenders in this draft class. The physicality displayed by this cog up the middle also provides a nice bull rush push when rushing the passer. This is yet another fine combination to have with the tenacity of Jones’s pass rush skills. Lawrence is also another defensive prospect like Oruwariye who presents versatility for a defense to use as well.
2nd Round- 63rd Overall
EDGE, Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
Jaylon Ferguson‘s draft stock has bounced around in the pre-draft process. Now it looks to have settled down though. Ferguson’s testing has not been a bright side for his lead up to the draft. But I think you look at the tape combined with what general manager Brett Veach may be building up front, Ferguson is a natural fit as a 4-3 defensive end. It may be more of a developmental pick here at the end of Round Two, but again, the Chiefs might as well jump and take the chance on the NCAA career sack record holder.
3rd Round- 92nd Overall
Tight End, Dax Raymond, Utah State
The first offensive selection in this mock draft was down to a tight end or wide receiver selection. With Dax Raymond still on the board, I had to grab him here, not knowing how good tight end looked at the Chiefs next selection in Round Five. Raymond’s big frame (6’5”, 255 pounds) and soft hands make him a natural receiver in space. He also presents a smoothness after the catch, being able to generate a good amount of yards after the catch. With the loss of Demetrius Harris, Raymond can come in and slide in nicely behind Travis Kelce on the tight end depth chart.
5th Round- 167th Overall
Wide Receiver, Keesean Johnson, Fresno State
While the Tyreek Hill investigation is still ongoing, he did post a recent workout video on his YouTube channel saying, “the Cheetah is back.” Regardless of Hill’s status, the wide receiver could still need an addition. The depth chart is full of inexperience at the bottom with guys like Gehrig Dieter and Marcus Kemp. And we all know how Sammy Watkins can be hit with the injury bug in the blink of an eye.
Keesean Johnson may be selected earlier, but in this simulation, he was still on the board in Round Five. On tape, Johnson displays great route running. This is something that he does in any part of the field. This would provide a nice intermediate option in the middle of the field or underneath. I also like his ability to line up in the slot, given his versatility and uber-athleticism.
6th Round- 201st Overall
Linebacker, Ulysees Gilbert III, Akron
It will still be interesting to see how the Chiefs linebackers adjust to the scheme change. No matter who’s playing there though, Kansas City could definitely use a linebacker who can cover. Ulysees Gilbert III is a little smaller, but for how he played at Akron, this is okay. The ability to cover tight ends in space is there, as well as running backs. His speed in space and coming downhill, are also plusses for a linebacker this late in the draft.
6th Round- 214th Overall
Safety, Lukas Denis, Boston College
As far as playing the pass goes, Lukas Denis has the ball production to back up his fine-tuned ball skills. That part of his game is very good for a zone coverage type of safety. In man coverage though, Denis struggles against physical opponents. Adding a safety to the depth chart with his pass defense this late is welcomed by someone like defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
7th Round- 216th Overall
Running Back, James Williams, Washington State
The Chiefs have the power already in Carlos Hyde and the silky smooth running of Damien Williams. Darrel Williams provides versatility. But what would make the Chiefs running back room even more versatile? Adding an electric playmaker, who can become a featured receiving, like James Williams is how. Williams may get drafted earlier, but why not take him if he’s still on the board here. Williams presents problems at all levels for the defense. I think he could become the James White for the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes. Throw it to him all you want, Williams has double-digit catch ability throughout the duration of a game.
Thank you for reading. Full Press Coverage has everything you need to know to be prepared for the 2019 NFL Draft. From mock drafts to players profiles, be sure to check out all of the great content.
– Braden Holecek is a Kansas City Chiefs writer for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 Follow @FPC_Chiefs and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the editor for the Kansas City Chiefs on Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @nyama_ks Follow @FPC_NFL and Facebook.
