Sac's 2016 Chiefs Mock Draft

[Saccopoo]

Post NFL Combine Edition!

While many deride the Combine as an "underwear Olympics," GM John Dorsey puts a lot of stock into a players measurables when considering potential draft picks. Prototype physical measurments and explosiveness are big on his lists. Dorsey seems to place emphasis on the 3 Cone Drill times as well. He doesn't shy away from small school players and has no problem drafting them if they fall within his Decision Lens metrics.

As such, here's the new Chiefs mock that considers the 2016 NFL Combine:

1. Paxton Lynch, QB; Memphis, RS Junior: 6'7", 245 lb.

Combine measurements:
Height: 6'6.5"
Weight: 244 lb.
Arms: 34.5"
Hands: 10.25"
40: 4.86 seconds
Vertical: 36"
Broad: 118"
3 Cone: 7.14 seconds

- Lynch has modern prototype physical measurements for the position to go with long arms and huge hands. He also clocked in the highest ball velocity at the 2016 NFL Combine at 59 mph - meaning he's got a cannon. He also has the physical explosion that Dorsey covets in his prospects (vertical and broad jumps). He looked poised with good footwork during the drills. A little shaky on some of the throws, but displayed good placement with velocity on most tosses.

The Chiefs were one of 12 teams to meet with Lynch at the Combine and they sent scouts to every Memphis game this past season.

Season stats:
13 games
Passing:
296/443
66.8%
3,378 yards
28 TDs
4 Ints

Rushing:
239 yards
2 TDs

- Lynch was an absolute force for the vast majority of the 2015 season, passing for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns eight times while leading the Tigers to a 9-3 record and a bowl matchup with Auburn. Lynch progressed each season, increasing his accuracy, yards, yards per attempt and TD to Int ratio.

Has dropped a bit in the eyes of the draftniks due to an average showing against Auburn and the rise of NDS' Carson Wentz, but IMO Lynch is the best QB in this draft and fits what Reid wants in a QB. (Think of a 3" taller, bigger armed Alex Smith and that's what you have in Lynch.) With Daniel a FA and Smith at 31, it's an opportune time to bring in the legit QBOTF for this franchise and have him learn the system and league behind Smith. Both Reid and Dorsey have brought in QB's in just this situation before and I don't see them passing on a talent like Lynch here if he is available.

Very tall, athletic body with ability to scan over the top. Elite foot quickness for a tall quarterback. Can maneuver quickly out of a busy pocket and away from trouble, but desires to keep passing option alive. Sets up in the pocket quickly and generally keeps feet "throw ready". More functional scrambler than "tuck and run" quarterback. Sacked just 15 times over 477 drop backs. Able to win with his feet when he needs to. Has a quick release to overcome his slight wind*-up. Has enough arm to drive the ball into restricted windows. Has enough arm to attack downfield while on the move. Makes good decisions. Rarely takes the cheese when cornerbacks try and bait him. Displays qualities of a field leader and isn't easy to rattle. Yards per attempt have exploded over his last two years. Can gain chunk yards as zone-read quarterback and will appeal to boot*-action teams. Will be challenging to defend in the red area.

Tall, lanky frame with broad shoulders and room to add more weight - built for the NFL and can take a beating. Light on his feet with the athleticism and body control to climb, shuffle and slide in the pocket, buying time and adjusting his throwing platform when needed.
Throws with accuracy on the move and comfortable moving the pocket with boots and motions. Good-enough arm strength to fire strikes with a quick trigger. Quick eyes to scan and make whole field reads. Improved poise to sense pressure and comfortable operating from within a confined pocket. Has the arm talent to get away with throwing without a firm base. Coaches praise his ability to acclimate and football IQ.

(Former picks: Vadal Alexander, OL; LSU, Reggie Ragland, MLB; Alabama, Germain Ifedi, OT; Texas A&M; Austin Johnson, DT; Penn State)

2. Joshua Garnett, OG; Stanford, Senior: 6'5", 325 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'4.5"
Weight: 312 lb.
Arms: 33 7/8"
Hands: 10 1/8"
Bench: 30 Reps
40: 5.32 seconds
Broad: 99"
3 Cone: 7.62 seconds

- The 2015 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in college football at Left Guard for the Cardinals. Powerful and flat out nasty. Will absolutely drive even the biggest defensive tackles all over the field at will. Uses his hands exceptionally well and easily picks up secondary blitzers and re-directs them while engaged with primary blocking responsibility.

Long arms and big, heavy hands with real power with his legs and arms. With the possibility of Jeff Allen leaving as a free agent and Ben Grubbs and Fanaika with injury + performance issues and Mitch Morse with a serious concussion issue that held him out the last month plus of the 2015 season, the interior offensive line is a real issue. Garnett is one of those rare players who's intelligence, strength, football skills and nasty demeanor would give him the chance to immediately start at a high level. Reminds me of a quicker Gabe Jackson. Just mean as shit on the field.





Former picks: Demarcus Robinson, WR; Florida, Christian Hackenberg, QB; Penn State; Deiondre Hall, CB; Northern Iowa

3. Deiondre' Hall, CB; Northern Iowa: 6'2", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 199 lb.
Arms: 34 3/8"
Hands: 9 6/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 4.68 seconds
Vertical: 37"
Broad: 127"
3 Cone: 7.07 seconds

- While Hall's 40 time was a little disappointing, consider that another small school (Montana), but very physically similar CB Trumaine Johnson posted near identical numbers at his Combine. Hall's real gift is his unbelievable length, with the wingspan of a condor or albatross. He's also blossomed as a press corner in 2015, being named the Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Very good vertical and excellent broad jump. 82 tackles with 6 interceptions (two of them being returned for touchdowns). An aggressive and instinctive player who, like Sean Smith, found his calling as a press man corner. IMO, the best CB in the draft to emulate or replace what the Chiefs currently have in Sean Smith.

Brandon Lynch was hired as the Panthers’ defensive- backs coach in 2013. Midway through that season, Hall switched from a linebacker/safety/nickel position in the Panthers’ 3-4 scheme to outside cornerback and fared well in the Panthers man-coverage heavy scheme.

That offseason, Hall recalled, Lynch — who is now the assistant head coach for defense — had a message for him.

“He was like, ‘Dee, if you really trust this layout for you — if you trust this plan — then it will take you places, wherever you want to go,’ ” Hall said.

Lynch was right. Hall embraced the challenge of being on an island almost every play, and matured into the defensive player of the year for the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2015.

“Being able to play press all the time is great,” Hall said. “The last two years it was almost strictly press-man (and) playing off man coverage. When you have a good front seven you can do that, and you really only have to win in the first 10-15 yards because that ball is coming out, so either he’s getting sacked or we’re breaking on the ball.”

Has the arm length of a left tackle. Long arms are extremely disruptive against 50/50 balls. Uses length to stuff blockers and get into the action. Values run support and tackling and is never shy. Unusually high tackle count for a cornerback (82 this season) and forced three fumbles. Not intimidated by physical receivers from bigger programs. Offers help outside his area if he reads quarterback?s intentions. Closes the deal when he has a shot at an interception finishing with 13 for his career including six this year. Instinctive and aware in thirds coverage and looked comfortable playing from safety slot.

Former pick(s): (Cassanova McKinzy, LB; Auburn, Scooby Wright, LB; Arizona; Dak Prescott, QB; Ole Miss; Miles Killebrew, S; Southern Utah)

4. Joe Haeg, OT; North Dakota State: 6'6", 310 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 304 lb.
Arms: 33 3/4"
Hands: 9 5/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 5.16 seconds
Vertical: ?
Broad: 111"
3 Cone: 7.47 seconds

- Top performer in the OL group in the broad jump, 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle (4.47 seconds).

- You want to know who has the most upside at the offensive tackle position in this draft? This dude. The first time I watched the Bison to look at QB Wentz, it was Haeg who immediately jumped off the screen. Incredible feet, balance, kick, arms and hands. Two time first Team FCS All-American. Four year starter, two at RT and two at LT. Give this guy an NFL weight and film room and he's got the potential to be an All-Pro.

“I like this North Dakota kid a lot,” an AFC personnel director said. “He’s tough. He’s got a good hand punch and he stays on his feet and can mirror pass rushers. He’s got the upside that you want to work with and develop him for down the road into a future starter.”

Former pick(s): (Maurice Canady, CB; Virginia)

5. Tyvis Powell, S; Ohio State: 6'3", 215 lb. Junior.

Combine:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 211 lb.
Arms: 32 3/4"
Hands: 9 1/2"
Bench: 15 reps
40: 4.46 seconds
Vertical: 34.5"
Broad: 120"
3 Cone: 7.03 seconds

- Overshadowed by Vonn Bell, but Powell excelled as the single high free safety in the Buckeyes defense. Defensive MVP of the 2014 National Championship game. Long and fast. Excellent recovery speed and really breaks well on the ball in the air. 71 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2015. Already has degree as an early entry junior.

Has plus traits that lead to quality ball skills. Can run. Plays with range speed necessary to come from opposite hash and challenge the deep ball. Good leaper with high point springs. Twitch is there to break on in-*cutting routes and make a play. Has excellent hands and comes down with the interception when it is there for him. Posted seven interceptions over last two seasons. Able to track down runners turning the corner.

(Previous pick - Tyler Marz, OT; Wisconsin; Bronson Kaufusi, DE; BYU; Ben Braunecker, TE; Harvard; Nick Vigil, LB; Utah State)





Former picks: Doug Middleton, S; Appalachian State, Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State

6. David Onyemata, DT; University of Manitoba; 6'4", 305 lb.

- The J.P. Metras Award winner, which is given to the top down lineman in Canadian college football. Originally from Nigeria, he didn't start playing football, actually never saw a football game, until 2011. (Played soccer to that point.) By the 2015 season, where he accumulated 50 tackles including 5 sacks while being double teamed nearly every down, he was showcasing superior strength and athleticism. Onyemata is considered the top Canadian NFL prospect, and received an invite to the East West Shrine game where he was described as "dominant" during practice. Consider him the LDT of the defensive side of the ball.





Former pick(s): De'Vondre Campbell, OLB; Minnesota

6. Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State: 5'11", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 198 lb.
Arms: 31 5/8"
Hands: 9 3/8"
Bench: 12 reps
40: 4.58 seconds
Vertical: 32.5"
Broad: 116"
3 Cone: 7.12 seconds

- I was more shocked with Sharp's less than stellar Combine numbers than almost anyone there. While not bad, they weren't what you saw on the field on Saturdays for the Aggies, where he was always the fastest guy on the field regardless of who they were playing. One of those guys who just seems to pick it up when the pads go on. Or didn't "train" well enough for the combine itself. Regardless, the guy can catch a football and his numbers will drop him into the fifth round easily at this point, where I think he'll be a steal.

- Speed. That's how Sharp plays the game from whistle to whistle. He's also a cocky, tough son of a bitch that plays fearless. Had 939 yards in 13 games in 2014 and 839 yards in 11 games in 2015 on a team built to run the ball. Averaged a ridiculous 35.4 yards per on kickoff returns in 2015. Will happily lay out for the highlight reel catch as well as put clown shoes on defenders with the ball in his hands on the open field. Think Steve Smith at the same stage. (Cousin of current Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson.)

Can ruin a cornerbacks entire day with his speed. Explodes off the line of scrimmage with forward lean and is able to open to full stride almost immediately. Combines swivel hips along with bravado and speed to make his mark after the catch. Weaves through traffic in his routes and after catch seamlessly. Can make defenders miss, but isn't afraid to lean in and finish his run aggressively. Used from slot, outside and out of backfield. Big play potential vertically or underneath after the catch. Uses stutter-*and*-go to get cornerbacks tilting early in his release. Has the play strength and instant burst that should allow him to defeat press coverage as a pro. Runs patient, controlled routes and can maximize separation. Can return punts and kicks. Ran a variety of routes over last two seasons.

Former picks: Nelson Spruce, WR; Colorado

7. Tyrone Holmes, DE/OLB; Montana: 6'4", 250 lb.
- Your reigning 2015 FCS College Defensive Player of the Year. Former basketball and track star (shot put and high hurdles) in high school. 3.6 GPA in Marketing. Relentless. One of the real surprises of guys not getting a Combine invite. Dude led college football in sacks and was defensive player of the year in the FCS. That just doesn't seem right. Expect a pretty impressive pro day.

87 tackles, 21.5 tfl, 18 sacks, 3 ff.

"He doesn't say a whole lot, he just comes out and practices and plays the exact same way every single day - a hundred miles an hour," Montana coach Bob Stitt said. "It made our lives on offense through spring practices and fall camp miserable, having to try to block him and deal with him. So I know what opposing offenses are dealing with it with Tyrone. People feed off his play."

Former Pick(s): Storm Woods, RB; Oregon State

[O.city]

Miller is going higher than that. He's shown some really good wr skills, Id take him in the 3rd

[RunKC]

I'm not a fan of Hackenberg honestly. I don't think he's very accurate and needs a lot of work reading defenses. He's basically Tyler Bray.

I think Kevin Hogan is the perfect king of QB Andy Reid likes. I'd love to draft him in round 2.

[O.city]

Hogan has a weird release, don't think they'll like that.

I think Hackenberg ends up in the first round. He was in an awful situation, and he's only 20 years old

[GloucesterChief]

Originally Posted by O.city

Hogan has a weird release, don't think they'll like that.

I think Hackenberg ends up in the first round. He was in an awful situation, and he's only 20 years old

Hogan is decently accurate but not stupendously so.

[Saccopoo]

Hackenberg declared:

The mystery that is Christian Hackenberg's NFL draft stock is only beginning to unravel with his announcement Saturday that he will apply for early entry into the 2016 NFL Draft. But with plenty of both positive and negative elements in place for his scouting evaluation, an NFC scout told College Football 24/7 Saturday night that the Nittany Lions junior should be chosen by the end of the third round "at the absolute latest."

Such is the market for quarterbacks in a league that thrives on them, and can never have enough good ones.

Hackenberg threw just six interceptions in 13 games on the season, but completed just 53 percent of his passes, threw for only 16 touchdowns, and struggled to stretch the field vertically. There are significant concerns about Hackenberg's accuracy and lack of production at the college level among NFL scouts. Penn State's pass protection of Hackenberg has been a career-long struggle as well, resulting in 103 sacks over three seasons, which has had a negative effect on Hackenberg's footwork. Still, his size and physical tools for the position make him a promising prospect, but perhaps one that will need some developmental time at the pro level.

Hackenberg's next chance to improve his draft standing will come at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February. And if his game film is all scouts have to go on until then, the combine can't arrive soon enough for Hackenberg.

[RunKC]

Few things to ponder:

-why do we need an ILB if DJ is back? I think they are happy with Mauga and Wilson/March as developmental prospects with nice potential. You also have Alexander who has been money on ST's. I'd love to see him get some more reps in preseason.
-from the looks of things now, it looks like CB or DL will be the best prospect on the board.
You have the 4 good CB prospects and then follow that up with guys like King/Fuller who should be available. You could also have multiple DL from the powerful trio of Bama DL.

At this point, I think WR and ILB are not big needs. We just need depth. I think an OT would be ideal for this regime (they won't draft QB rd 1. We all know it).

I would love to see OL and CB in the first 2 rounds.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Few things to ponder:

-why do we need an ILB if DJ is back? I think they are happy with Mauga and Wilson/March as developmental prospects with nice potential. You also have Alexander who has been money on ST's. I'd love to see him get some more reps in preseason.
-from the looks of things now, it looks like CB or DL will be the best prospect on the board.
You have the 4 good CB prospects and then follow that up with guys like King/Fuller who should be available. You could also have multiple DL from the powerful trio of Bama DL.

At this point, I think WR and ILB are not big needs. We just need depth. I think an OT would be ideal for this regime (they won't draft QB rd 1. We all know it).

I would love to see OL and CB in the first 2 rounds.

If Connor Cook is there the Chiefs better select him

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Few things to ponder:

-why do we need an ILB if DJ is back? I think they are happy with Mauga and Wilson/March as developmental prospects with nice potential. You also have Alexander who has been money on ST's. I'd love to see him get some more reps in preseason.

Alexander is the Hemingway of MLB. If neither he nor Wilson can push Mauga out of the starting spot, then we need to look at someone who can. Mauga is literally the slowest player at his position in the league and doesn't fill holes very well. And if he's continuing to beat out Wilson or Alexander, well then...

-from the looks of things now, it looks like CB or DL will be the best prospect on the board.
You have the 4 good CB prospects and then follow that up with guys like King/Fuller who should be available. You could also have multiple DL from the powerful trio of Bama DL.

I agree and our depth behind Smith/Peters is obviously horrendous. However, DL is looking pretty solid. DeVito is playing exceptionally well right now and both Nunez-Roches and Williams have looked good in spot play. All three will be relatively cheap in terms of a resign versus Howard.

At this point, I think WR and ILB are not big needs. We just need depth. I think an OT would be ideal for this regime (they won't draft QB rd 1. We all know it). I would love to see OL and CB in the first 2 rounds.

They need to get a quality RT in. Reid is great for a backup, but he gets smoked by speed rushers. Stephenson looks great for a game or two and then just falls off the map. But he knows the system and can play four positions. I hope that they re-sign him, even if it costs a little more to do so.

They do need to get a QB in though. Daniel and Murray are the exact same dude and Bray is Bray. They need to get a possible QBOTF in here soon to learn the system and play behind Smith to understand what professionalism at the NFL level is supposed to look like. Lynch, Hogan, Hackenberg, Wentz would all be a solid fit for the system.

Now is that more important than a starting RT or a #3 CB? Perhaps.

I think that they will be looking at the potential of picking in the first round between guys like

Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Carson Wentz, QB; North Dakota State
Austin Johnson, DT; Penn State
Michael Thomas, WR; Ohio State
Josh Doctson, WR; TCU
Jack Conklin, OT; Michigan State
Hunter Henry, TE; Arkansas
Corey Coleman, WR; Baylor

That's a lot of freaking talent right there and I'm not sure which direction I'd take at that point. How much is Kelce going to cost you on the FA market? Henry has a chance to be a better Kelce. I absolutely love Ifedi as an NFL RT. Coleman looks to be a Maclin clone. Wentz oozes poential. So does White..

Personally I'd go with Ifedi in the first and try to pick up Hackenberg or Hogan in the second and then fill the remaining positions as it goes along with CB and ILB as priority after that.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

If Connor Cook is there the Chiefs better select him

Tempting. I'm not totally sold on Cook. His accuracy numbers are a concern and he's obviously a douche nozzle. He's got a nice arm and can put up numbers, but he's not the best in pocket and has never really consistently put up quality accuracy in his entire college career.

Question is, is he a good douche nozzle (Rivers) or a bad douche nozzle (Manziel)? As the senior QB, he wasn't voted as one of the team captains by his teammates. That's a bit worrisome if you ask me.

[oaklandhater]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

If Connor Cook is there the Chiefs better select him

X1000

[oaklandhater]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Tempting. I'm not totally sold on Cook. His accuracy numbers are a concern and he's obviously a douche nozzle. He's got a nice arm and can put up numbers, but he's not the best in pocket and has never really consistently put up quality accuracy in his entire college career.

Question is, is he a good douche nozzle (Rivers) or a bad douche nozzle (Manziel)? As the senior QB, he wasn't voted as one of the team captains by his teammates. That's a bit worrisome if you ask me.

He likes being in the limelight more like (Cutler) instead of (manziel) he is not much of a partier

[Saccopoo]

Newly updated for the end of the season.

[O.city]

Cook declined his invite to the Sr bowl. No thanks

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by O.city

Cook declined his invite to the Sr bowl. No thanks

I'd much rather have either Hackenberg or Hogan in the second or third than Cook in the first.

[kccrow]

My only legitimate bitch about your takes on Howard is that Howard IS the reserve NT to Poe. There isn't a player on the roster that can step in and fill that void for Poe anywhere near as well as Howard can. While I agree that he needs to be signed at he right price, Howard is very valuable and is a much better player on the field than any of DeVito, Nunez-Roches, or Williams. Overall, Howard is an extremely important re-signing, but like you I have come to the conclusion that I would not like for the Chiefs to break bank on him. The thing is, our definitions of what that number is likely differ.

As for your draft itself, here's a couple notes in my view...

Nelson Spruce is a fine college receiver, but his tests at the combine will matter greatly. Teams will want to see if he at least has baseline numbers to create some sort of separation from defensive backs in the NFL. He runs great routes and has great hands, but there has to be enough actual physical ability there or you're drafting what would be Jason Avant at best.

Scooby Wright is an outstanding linebacker, an absolutely devastating play-maker when he's on the field. I think teams are going to look at his film, and if he checks out medically, he's going very early. Probably won't get to the 1st round because of his missed time, but he's going to go by the middle of round 2. About the only way I can see Wright going third round is if there is some lingering issue medically that has to be treated. He's just a non-stop motor, stacks and sheds like a beast, can rush the passer, can drop into coverage, he's as complete a 3-4 ILB as you're going to find and will be a fine 4-3 OLB in the mould of Von Miller. He doesn't have ideal height, but he's a play-maker and that is all that matters. If he was 3" taller, he'd be getting touted as the next Clay Matthews type of player (can do everything pretty well), I can guarantee it. Hey, if he goes round 3 or later, awesome. I just can't fathom it if he runs remotely well in off-season workouts.