Direckshun
04-02-2015, 12:14 PM
Assumptions:
1. S Eric Berry is placed on NFI list and is paid something harmless to our cap.
2. The Chiefs sign the following free agents:
On with the show:
1.18. CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
My (realistic) choice for the Chiefs has essentially whittled down to two players: Cam Erving at center, and Kevin Johnson at corner. Both players fill immediate areas of need. Erving would start immediately at either C or RT. Johnson would replace the likely-departing Sean Smith in 2016 (or, even better, Smith is extended and the Chiefs have two starting CBs on the outside who are at least 6'2"). I think Johnson can start right now over Phillip Gaines, who I still really like, and combined with Smith, Gaines, and Jamel Flemming, keep the Chiefs secondary in the Top 5.
Johnson lacks elite speed, but that's what Gaines is ostensibly for. His skillset is extremely similar to Sean Smith, who is a bit bigger and a bit more athletic but lacks Johnson's intense mean streak. Smith is a true #1 when the "light is on," but a liability when it flickers off. Johnson's light never goes off, and exhibits an intensity our secondary has lacked since losing Brandon Flowers.
The question does become -- can the Chiefs seriously draft a CB with non-elite speed? I have my doubts, as I selected Jalen Collins last time around. But Johnson needs to be a serious, serious consideration assuming he lasts to us, which I think he will.
2.49. WR Devin Smith, Ohio State
I typically try to be more creative than this, just selecting the same guy over and over again. I promise I'll do better for the remainder of the mock.
3.80. C Reese Dismukes, Auburn
Dismukes is definitely underrated on this board. He doesn't sport outstanding measurables but he is a starter-caliber center that you can plug in right away. If the Chiefs elect to pass on Cam Erving in the 1st, it is possible that they try to land a technique-solid center who can start immediately on day two.
3.98. OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
Mauldin is every bit the prospect his teammate Marcus Smith was last year. Smith was dramatically overdrafted in the 1st round, and since Mauldin carries all the weaknesses of Smith (and isn't the top-end athlete Smith is/was), we'll have a major course correction and he'll be available here at this point in the draft.
The Chiefs have to have contingency plans for life after Hali and Houston, if it ever gets that far. Mauldin/Ford is a start.
4.118. TE Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
It's easier to teach a good receiver to adequately block than it is to teach a good blocker to adequately receive. Kroft has already shown an adept ability to create separation with soft hands. At 240 lbs, he'll need to pack on some more muscle and the Chiefs will likely work to evolve him as a blocker.
5.172 & 5.173. NT Ellis McCarthy, UCLA & ILB Mike Hull, Penn State
Time to body out this defense, right quick. McCarthy is a gigantic mountain of a man that will need significant work to get him into NFL shape. He can nonetheless be a force at 6'5" with ridiculous, long arms. Poe never comes out anyway, so at least he'll have a learning curve.
Hull is somebody I'm very excited about in the late rounds. Hull is an absolute drill sergeant on the field, with a contagious energy that elevates the play of the entire defense. He's also a very smart player, filling his gaps responsibly and hitting with serious power. He's not a Day One starter, but we don't need one of those -- we need a guy with starter upside, and Hull fits that to a T.
6.193. WR Austin Hill, Arizona
Hill was, at one point, one of the top threats in all of college football. A great combination of hands, athleticism, and route-running had him projected as a very good NFL receiver -- until he tore his ACL in 2013. Since then, he's spent the past year doing what he can to get his game going, with middling results.
The Chiefs can pretty much immediately insert Hill into the strength & conditioning program and eventually get him back to his previously awesome ability.
6.217. DE Daryl Waud, Western Ontario
I spent the day yesterday checking out some Canadian talents, and it turns out that Waud is pretty damn impressive, at 6'5", 290 lbs, with good athleticism and the frame to show off some powerful strength. The Chiefs like shopping north of the border, obviously.
7.233. K Kyle Brindza, Notre Dame
Cairo Santos does not inspire confidence. It's time for an upgrade, and Brindza is arguably my favorite kicker in the draft.
1. S Eric Berry is placed on NFI list and is paid something harmless to our cap.
2. The Chiefs sign the following free agents:
On with the show:
1.18. CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
My (realistic) choice for the Chiefs has essentially whittled down to two players: Cam Erving at center, and Kevin Johnson at corner. Both players fill immediate areas of need. Erving would start immediately at either C or RT. Johnson would replace the likely-departing Sean Smith in 2016 (or, even better, Smith is extended and the Chiefs have two starting CBs on the outside who are at least 6'2"). I think Johnson can start right now over Phillip Gaines, who I still really like, and combined with Smith, Gaines, and Jamel Flemming, keep the Chiefs secondary in the Top 5.
Johnson lacks elite speed, but that's what Gaines is ostensibly for. His skillset is extremely similar to Sean Smith, who is a bit bigger and a bit more athletic but lacks Johnson's intense mean streak. Smith is a true #1 when the "light is on," but a liability when it flickers off. Johnson's light never goes off, and exhibits an intensity our secondary has lacked since losing Brandon Flowers.
The question does become -- can the Chiefs seriously draft a CB with non-elite speed? I have my doubts, as I selected Jalen Collins last time around. But Johnson needs to be a serious, serious consideration assuming he lasts to us, which I think he will.
2.49. WR Devin Smith, Ohio State
I typically try to be more creative than this, just selecting the same guy over and over again. I promise I'll do better for the remainder of the mock.
3.80. C Reese Dismukes, Auburn
Dismukes is definitely underrated on this board. He doesn't sport outstanding measurables but he is a starter-caliber center that you can plug in right away. If the Chiefs elect to pass on Cam Erving in the 1st, it is possible that they try to land a technique-solid center who can start immediately on day two.
3.98. OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
Mauldin is every bit the prospect his teammate Marcus Smith was last year. Smith was dramatically overdrafted in the 1st round, and since Mauldin carries all the weaknesses of Smith (and isn't the top-end athlete Smith is/was), we'll have a major course correction and he'll be available here at this point in the draft.
The Chiefs have to have contingency plans for life after Hali and Houston, if it ever gets that far. Mauldin/Ford is a start.
4.118. TE Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
It's easier to teach a good receiver to adequately block than it is to teach a good blocker to adequately receive. Kroft has already shown an adept ability to create separation with soft hands. At 240 lbs, he'll need to pack on some more muscle and the Chiefs will likely work to evolve him as a blocker.
5.172 & 5.173. NT Ellis McCarthy, UCLA & ILB Mike Hull, Penn State
Time to body out this defense, right quick. McCarthy is a gigantic mountain of a man that will need significant work to get him into NFL shape. He can nonetheless be a force at 6'5" with ridiculous, long arms. Poe never comes out anyway, so at least he'll have a learning curve.
Hull is somebody I'm very excited about in the late rounds. Hull is an absolute drill sergeant on the field, with a contagious energy that elevates the play of the entire defense. He's also a very smart player, filling his gaps responsibly and hitting with serious power. He's not a Day One starter, but we don't need one of those -- we need a guy with starter upside, and Hull fits that to a T.
6.193. WR Austin Hill, Arizona
Hill was, at one point, one of the top threats in all of college football. A great combination of hands, athleticism, and route-running had him projected as a very good NFL receiver -- until he tore his ACL in 2013. Since then, he's spent the past year doing what he can to get his game going, with middling results.
The Chiefs can pretty much immediately insert Hill into the strength & conditioning program and eventually get him back to his previously awesome ability.
6.217. DE Daryl Waud, Western Ontario
I spent the day yesterday checking out some Canadian talents, and it turns out that Waud is pretty damn impressive, at 6'5", 290 lbs, with good athleticism and the frame to show off some powerful strength. The Chiefs like shopping north of the border, obviously.
7.233. K Kyle Brindza, Notre Dame
Cairo Santos does not inspire confidence. It's time for an upgrade, and Brindza is arguably my favorite kicker in the draft.