kccrow
11-27-2015, 12:17 PM
Preface: The Chiefs have made a consistent ascent towards the top half of the NFL over the past 4 weeks, and it appears their schedule is favorable for a continued climb towards playoff contention. This likely puts the Chiefs in the bottom third of the draft and out of contention for top-tier prospects, including the most draftable QBs.
Round 1: Jack Conklin - OT - Michigan State
6'6' 318
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jack+Conklin+Jacksonville+State+v+Michigan+UCO2cP85Mael.jpg
The Chiefs need a reliable, steady presence at right tackle. With the growth of Eric Fisher on the left side, its safe to bet the Chiefs look for a guy that can come in and make an immediate impact opposite him. Both Jack Conklin of MSU and Taylor Decker of OSU should be in play here, but Conklin has been slightly more reliable in pass protection and may make coaches a bit more comfortable if an injury were to force him to the left side.
... And Chiefs' Nation cringes ...
Round 2: Vonn Bell - SS - Ohio State
5'11" 205
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Vonn+Bell+Clemson+v+Ohio+State+Am4bc8_NrRZl.jpg
With free agency likely to take its toll on KC in the secondary during the offseason (Sean Smith, Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah, and so forth), the Chiefs will very likely need to look for some new blood. Vonn Bell may be the most well-rounded safety in this draft and has a skill set that will allow him to play either FS or SS. The only real question at this point will be whether or not he's available in the latter stages of round two. Bell is a rangy playmaker on the football and is nearly always in position to make tackles in the run game. Very similar to current Chief Eric Berry. In fact, the future of Eric Berry with the Chiefs could impact this selection. If it comes down to keeping Sean Smith or keeping Eric Berry, I have to say I'd go with Sean Smith. There's just a higher premium on good CBs.
Round 3: Chris Jones - DT - Mississippi State
6'5" 308
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Alabama+v+Mississippi+State+UsoTxrjm2tll.jpg
The Chiefs will have some questions to answer in the offseason regarding Jaye Howard and Mike DeVito given their free agent status. While its best to keep Howard for the long-term, KC needs depth at the position. Jones has been ascending up draft boards since the middle of 2014 as he's dropped weight and has played at a higher level. Jones is a tough one-on-one block and can pressure the passer. Given his recent good play against the run he might go even higher than the 3rd round, especially if he shows well in an offseason all-star game.
Round 4: Gabe Marks - WR - Washington State
6'0" 186
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Oregon+v+Washington+State+-qtZbVnPAOcl.jpg
The Chiefs, despite improved play at the position, still lack explosiveness at the wide receiver spot. Marks is a very quick, shifty receiver that accelerates quickly and can turn short passes into big plays. Marks has reliable hands, and brings a tough attitude with him. Marks reminds me of Stefon Diggs, who I was very high on last year, and would fit the X receiver role, his position with the Cougars, very well in the pros.
Round 5: Kyler Fackrell - OLB - Utah State
6'5" 250
http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/midres/1628090/1628090.jpg
The Chiefs really missed hard with Dee Ford, or so it appears to date. With Tamba Hali's age becoming more and more apparent, Kansas City really needs to try to bolster the pass rush going forward. Fackrell is a tough block with great edge speed and the ability to consistently push the pocket. PFF had him as college football's best pass rusher a month ago if you subscribe to their rating methods. Even if you don't like PFF, he was one of the top players in the nation in QB pressures. The key with Fackrell really is his ability to play as a stand-up linebacker, being both a solid pass defender and run stopper in addition to his pass rushing duties. However, like so many other smaller school products, Fackrell will really need some time in an NFL weight room.
Round 5: Trevone Boykin - QB - Texas Christian
6'1' 205
http://www.cbssports.com/images/collegefootball/Trevone-Boykin-Heisman-Watch.jpg
The Chiefs are always in a position to update the QB spot, but with at top-10 selection unlikely, they may have to take another mid round flier. Here's two things I'm certain of with Boykin: he can throw the football anywhere on the field and he's very athletic which allows him to extend plays and make plays with his feet. What we don't know about Boykin though makes him a tough evaluation. Is Boykin actually 6'1" as listed? While there are a few exemptions, size matters with regard to QBs. Boykin comes from a QB friendly, college spread offense. Can he take his skills to the next level where he'll have to learn to take snaps from under center and, more importantly, make reads against NFL defenses? The latter half of the last question is my main concern with Boykin. He makes some questionable throws into tight coverage that he won't get away with in the NFL. He also seems to lock onto targets early. Both of these are problems directly attributable to the offense he plays in. Whether or not he can take hold of an NFL offense is something for NFL personnel men to evalutate thoroughly. If he can hack it, Boykin could end up a late round steal.
Round 6: Tra Carson - RB - Texas A&M
5'11" 235
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tra+Carson+SMU+v+Texas+A+M+054gpx38Tgel.jpg
I really love big, one-cut and go running backs with a bulldozer mentality; guys kind of like Eddie Lacy. That's a big reason I love Arkansas back Alex Collins, but I don't think the Chiefs need to spend a 2nd or 3rd round pick on the position. The Chiefs are very fortunate that they have found some gems in Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, especially West. With Jamaal Charles suffering yet another injury and Knile Davis firmly in the dog house (and well warranted), the Chiefs may want to look at some insurance and draft a guy. Carson is a low miles, big back, that hits the hole with conviction and has enough speed to break some runs. Carson is also a very solid receiver out of the backfield, which is an absolute necessity in an Andy Reid offense.
Round 7: Clint Van Horn - OT - Marshall
6'5" 310
http://herdinsider.com/content/2014/08/10247183.jpeg
The Chiefs offensive line woes are well documented, and it never hurts to keep bringing in competition. The way Jeff Allen is playing this year, he is earning himself a new contract. The Chiefs still remain unsettled at guard though going forward. I've always admired the Packers' philosophy of taking moderately athletic, but very solid tackles and turning them into guards. I see that type of player with Marshall's Van Horn. He's a mountain of a man that is nearly impossible to get around in close quarters. While arguably the best offensive lineman in Conference USA as a right tackle, his best position in the NFL is probably at guard where his skill set can shine through. He has a strong punch to stonewall rushers and can generate movement in the run game.
Round 1: Jack Conklin - OT - Michigan State
6'6' 318
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jack+Conklin+Jacksonville+State+v+Michigan+UCO2cP85Mael.jpg
The Chiefs need a reliable, steady presence at right tackle. With the growth of Eric Fisher on the left side, its safe to bet the Chiefs look for a guy that can come in and make an immediate impact opposite him. Both Jack Conklin of MSU and Taylor Decker of OSU should be in play here, but Conklin has been slightly more reliable in pass protection and may make coaches a bit more comfortable if an injury were to force him to the left side.
... And Chiefs' Nation cringes ...
Round 2: Vonn Bell - SS - Ohio State
5'11" 205
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Vonn+Bell+Clemson+v+Ohio+State+Am4bc8_NrRZl.jpg
With free agency likely to take its toll on KC in the secondary during the offseason (Sean Smith, Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah, and so forth), the Chiefs will very likely need to look for some new blood. Vonn Bell may be the most well-rounded safety in this draft and has a skill set that will allow him to play either FS or SS. The only real question at this point will be whether or not he's available in the latter stages of round two. Bell is a rangy playmaker on the football and is nearly always in position to make tackles in the run game. Very similar to current Chief Eric Berry. In fact, the future of Eric Berry with the Chiefs could impact this selection. If it comes down to keeping Sean Smith or keeping Eric Berry, I have to say I'd go with Sean Smith. There's just a higher premium on good CBs.
Round 3: Chris Jones - DT - Mississippi State
6'5" 308
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Alabama+v+Mississippi+State+UsoTxrjm2tll.jpg
The Chiefs will have some questions to answer in the offseason regarding Jaye Howard and Mike DeVito given their free agent status. While its best to keep Howard for the long-term, KC needs depth at the position. Jones has been ascending up draft boards since the middle of 2014 as he's dropped weight and has played at a higher level. Jones is a tough one-on-one block and can pressure the passer. Given his recent good play against the run he might go even higher than the 3rd round, especially if he shows well in an offseason all-star game.
Round 4: Gabe Marks - WR - Washington State
6'0" 186
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Oregon+v+Washington+State+-qtZbVnPAOcl.jpg
The Chiefs, despite improved play at the position, still lack explosiveness at the wide receiver spot. Marks is a very quick, shifty receiver that accelerates quickly and can turn short passes into big plays. Marks has reliable hands, and brings a tough attitude with him. Marks reminds me of Stefon Diggs, who I was very high on last year, and would fit the X receiver role, his position with the Cougars, very well in the pros.
Round 5: Kyler Fackrell - OLB - Utah State
6'5" 250
http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/midres/1628090/1628090.jpg
The Chiefs really missed hard with Dee Ford, or so it appears to date. With Tamba Hali's age becoming more and more apparent, Kansas City really needs to try to bolster the pass rush going forward. Fackrell is a tough block with great edge speed and the ability to consistently push the pocket. PFF had him as college football's best pass rusher a month ago if you subscribe to their rating methods. Even if you don't like PFF, he was one of the top players in the nation in QB pressures. The key with Fackrell really is his ability to play as a stand-up linebacker, being both a solid pass defender and run stopper in addition to his pass rushing duties. However, like so many other smaller school products, Fackrell will really need some time in an NFL weight room.
Round 5: Trevone Boykin - QB - Texas Christian
6'1' 205
http://www.cbssports.com/images/collegefootball/Trevone-Boykin-Heisman-Watch.jpg
The Chiefs are always in a position to update the QB spot, but with at top-10 selection unlikely, they may have to take another mid round flier. Here's two things I'm certain of with Boykin: he can throw the football anywhere on the field and he's very athletic which allows him to extend plays and make plays with his feet. What we don't know about Boykin though makes him a tough evaluation. Is Boykin actually 6'1" as listed? While there are a few exemptions, size matters with regard to QBs. Boykin comes from a QB friendly, college spread offense. Can he take his skills to the next level where he'll have to learn to take snaps from under center and, more importantly, make reads against NFL defenses? The latter half of the last question is my main concern with Boykin. He makes some questionable throws into tight coverage that he won't get away with in the NFL. He also seems to lock onto targets early. Both of these are problems directly attributable to the offense he plays in. Whether or not he can take hold of an NFL offense is something for NFL personnel men to evalutate thoroughly. If he can hack it, Boykin could end up a late round steal.
Round 6: Tra Carson - RB - Texas A&M
5'11" 235
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tra+Carson+SMU+v+Texas+A+M+054gpx38Tgel.jpg
I really love big, one-cut and go running backs with a bulldozer mentality; guys kind of like Eddie Lacy. That's a big reason I love Arkansas back Alex Collins, but I don't think the Chiefs need to spend a 2nd or 3rd round pick on the position. The Chiefs are very fortunate that they have found some gems in Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, especially West. With Jamaal Charles suffering yet another injury and Knile Davis firmly in the dog house (and well warranted), the Chiefs may want to look at some insurance and draft a guy. Carson is a low miles, big back, that hits the hole with conviction and has enough speed to break some runs. Carson is also a very solid receiver out of the backfield, which is an absolute necessity in an Andy Reid offense.
Round 7: Clint Van Horn - OT - Marshall
6'5" 310
http://herdinsider.com/content/2014/08/10247183.jpeg
The Chiefs offensive line woes are well documented, and it never hurts to keep bringing in competition. The way Jeff Allen is playing this year, he is earning himself a new contract. The Chiefs still remain unsettled at guard though going forward. I've always admired the Packers' philosophy of taking moderately athletic, but very solid tackles and turning them into guards. I see that type of player with Marshall's Van Horn. He's a mountain of a man that is nearly impossible to get around in close quarters. While arguably the best offensive lineman in Conference USA as a right tackle, his best position in the NFL is probably at guard where his skill set can shine through. He has a strong punch to stonewall rushers and can generate movement in the run game.