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

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

You always seem to draft a player from a remote North Western team.

Tyrone Holmes?

He's legit.

[Saccopoo]

Newly updated to reflect the post season college All-Star games.

[The Franchise]

Holy smaller schools, Batman.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Holy smaller schools, Batman.

I thought the same thing, but these dudes can play. Hall and Braxton Miller went at each other this past week and Hall held his own. Haeg, before an undisclosed injury, was working over dudes. Holmes was beating everyone at the Shrine game.

Sometimes these guys just don't get the chance initially for whatever reason (Haeg was 230 as a senior in high school and no D1 guys offered, but as he grew to 310, I'm sure that they wished they did.)

Hall only got walk-on offers from MU and KU and didn't want to saddle his family with the bill, so he took the scholarship from Northern Iowa and blew up when they changed over to the press man scheme.

A lot of the five star guys were just super early maturers versus these small school guys who end up All-Americans when it's said and done.

These dudes can all ball though.

[O.city]

Prescott will never play a down in the nfl

[staylor26]

Originally Posted by O.city

Prescott will never play a down in the nfl

This is pretty stupid. Even for you.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by O.city

Prescott will never play a down in the nfl

[kccrow]

I don't dislike it Sac, just no way in hell Dorsey takes that many small-school prospects.

Of the prospects you do have, I'd say Hall and Haeg are the most likely to be drafted by KC as they best represent what the team has gone for at those positions.

I don't think Spruce will be very high up on KC's radar, but you never know. I just don't think he has enough speed to get separation in the NFL.

Wouldn't get too jacked on Holmes. The kid from Georgetown that I mocked last year, Alec May, had a nearly identical stat line, same build, and great burst off the edge. He didn't get drafted. He was a camp invite of the Lions and got cut.

As for DT in round 1, I think you can buy at a discount in round 2 and still get a high quality player in this draft. Either way, I wouldn't be terribly pissed off.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by kccrow

I don't dislike it Sac, just no way in hell Dorsey takes that many small-school prospects.

Of the prospects you do have, I'd say Hall and Haeg are the most likely to be drafted by KC as they best represent what the team has gone for at those positions.

I don't think Spruce will be very high up on KC's radar, but you never know. I just don't think he has enough speed to get separation in the NFL.

Wouldn't get too jacked on Holmes. The kid from Georgetown that I mocked last year, Alec May, had a nearly identical stat line, same build, and great burst off the edge. He didn't get drafted. He was a camp invite of the Lions and got cut.

As for DT in round 1, I think you can buy at a discount in round 2 and still get a high quality player in this draft. Either way, I wouldn't be terribly pissed off.

There is just something primal about Holmes. A caged ferocity if you will. And it's not like the Grizzlies haven't sent some guys to the next level in Zach Wagenmann and Kroy Biermann. And he plays long with power. There's some stuff there that translates. Easily worth a seventh IMO.

You might be right about the DT's this year. It's a strong group, but Johnson fits Dorsey's drafting philosophy and I don't see him being handcuffed in a contractual battle same as he did with Fisher and Ford. It will be interesting to see what's still available when the Chiefs pick. There is going to be a lot of guys who could be considered "BPA."

As far as Spruce goes, everyone keeps looking at him as seeing a white guy playing the wide receiver position and thinks that he's a slow dude who can't separate. Until you see him working guys over all game long. Guy can absolutely catch a football and he was absolutely blanketed all season with sub par QB play and still got over a 1000 yards. He's not a jet, but he's one of those guys who ends up with 10 receptions and 100 yards every single game.

[O.city]

Prescott has Tim Tebow like accuracy. He fits into Reid's system of quarterback ing about as good as Sac does.

His stats in the sec are nice but aren't really predictive of nfl success

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by O.city

Prescott has Tim Tebow like accuracy. He fits into Reid's system of quarterback ing about as good as Sac does.

His stats in the sec are nice but aren't really predictive of nfl success

Passing:
2012: 62.1%, 194 yds, 4 TD, 0 Int
2013: 58.4%, 1,940 yds, 10 TD, 7 Int
2014: 61.6%, 3,449 yds, 27 TD, 11 Int
2015: 66.2%, 3,793 yds, 29 TD, 5 Int

Rushing:
2012: 32/118, 4 TD
2013: 134/829, 13 TD
2014: 210/986, 14 TD
2015: 160/588, 10 TD

After the 2014 season, I would have agreed that he needed a lot of work in the accuracy department. However, it looks like he put in the work as he was substantially better throwing the ball in 2015.

Oh, and remember Newton at the Combine throwing the ball? Hideous.

Prescott, at this stage, is better than either Newton or Tebow was in terms of a pocket passer. Is he perfect? No, but he's the type of guy who is going to put in the work and learning the system behind Smith with Reid is not a bad place to learn.

And I'd be balls in Reid's system.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Passing:
2012: 62.1%, 194 yds, 4 TD, 0 Int
2013: 58.4%, 1,940 yds, 10 TD, 7 Int
2014: 61.6%, 3,449 yds, 27 TD, 11 Int
2015: 66.2%, 3,793 yds, 29 TD, 5 Int

Rushing:
2012: 32/118, 4 TD
2013: 134/829, 13 TD
2014: 210/986, 14 TD
2015: 160/588, 10 TD

After the 2014 season, I would have agreed that he needed a lot of work in the accuracy department. However, it looks like he put in the work as he was substantially better throwing the ball in 2015.

Oh, and remember Newton at the Combine throwing the ball? Hideous.

Prescott, at this stage, is better than either Newton or Tebow was in terms of a pocket passer. Is he perfect? No, but he's the type of guy who is going to put in the work and learning the system behind Smith with Reid is not a bad place to learn.

And I'd be balls in Reid's system.

Prescott is no where close to being as good as Cam was.

Prescott will be a practice squad player for 2 years and then he'll be out of the NFL.

[RunKC]

I think Dorsey is trying to lock Howard up right now bc he knows it's going to be hard to get Poe back with his contract demands.
I think he also wants him back bc there really aren't any good tackles in FA except Schwartz who will surely be re-signed or get a big contract that we can't offer.
I think OT could be our 1st round choice as much as everyone hates that, and believe me I want Will Fuller.

I see where you're going though.

As for Prescott, he might be a good choice bc I can see Andy going with Alex for at least 2 more years and our offense has a lot of spread principles in it.
I just don't think the kid is that great in the pocket. Sure he improved there, but guys like Kevin Hogan seem to be more polished.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by KC native

Prescott is no where close to being as good as Cam was.

Prescott will be a practice squad player for 2 years and then he'll be out of the NFL.

Speaking of such things, shouldn't you be attending to your "Travone Boykin is a legit NFL QB" thread?

[Saccopoo]

I'm sitting here pondering upon the possibilities of a guy like Paxton Lynch falling to the Chiefs at 28. Wentz seems to be skyrocketing and Lynch could possibly drop because of it.

Do you go for the potential QBOTF versus a position of need like DT or RT or ILB or CB if they are suddenly there?

Because I think that there are going to be very solid options at OT, DT, ILB, S and CB when the Chiefs select - all positions where they are looking at FA issues (DT, S, CB) or performance issues (RT, ILB).

DT: Austin Johnson and Vernon Butler are both prototype for what Dorsey wants in the position
OT: Germain Ifedi, Jack Conklin and Shon Coleman look to be excellent options for a 70% type player at RT
ILB: One of the top players could/should be there when the Chiefs pick - Reggie Ragland, Jaylon Smith (drop due to injury) or they could even reach a bit on a guy like Kentrell Brothers (wouldn't be the first reach for a Missouri player and if Brothers works out as well as Morse has, well...)

I think that they will be able to get a pretty damn good player at a position of need at 28, but they also have the chance at getting a guy like Lynch as well.