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My reasoning for Kikaha in the 3rd:
It was an extremely difficult decision to make this time around, because I had a shortlist of about 10 players to choose from.
Ultimately, the choice came down to DE/DT Marcus Hardison out of Arizona State, CB Doran Grant out of Ohio State, and this guy.
The Chiefs select Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington.
The reason this choice was so difficult is because the Chiefs likely don't need an OLB, but he absolutely was the best player available by a good degree. Grant is really good, but limited with no upside. Hardison is extremely exciting to watch, but he is a one-year wonder who will need a ****ton of work in technique and it's not even clear he can stop the run at all, which is a big deal at this point with our defense.
Kikaha is an absolute technician at the passrushing position. He comes virtually NFL-ready to play, and while he can always get stronger and sharper in his rushbacker technique, his ability to contribute to keeping the passrush aces can be immediately felt. There was no better passrusher than Kikaha the past year in the NCAA, and he did it the old fashioned way: he wasn't necessarily bigger and stronger than his opponents, he just had better technique and worked harder. Improve his strength, and he's got double-digit sack potential in the NFL, while being stout against the run. He'll need work in coverage as well, but there's no reason he can't play the "Hali" to Ford's "Houston" should the Chiefs elect to move on from both.
There were RBs, OTs, TEs, and an ILB I considered here, but the bang for my buck is absolutely too good with Kikaha, who can insure our passrush against (a.) losing Houston in 2016, or (b.) losing Hali in 2016, or (c.) Dee Ford potentially busting. DJ's left nut said, in another thread in the Lounge, that the team might as well prepare for a future without Hali and Houston. That's tragic to think of, but this would be a step in that direction.
Holes remain for this team at TE, CB, and especially ILB, but the talent at these positions is just dramatically inferior to what Kikaha brings to the table.
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