Chiefs may not have a bigger need, on the roster, than DL. Even after signing Xavier Williams, that remains the case. Allen Bailey, Chris Jones and Rakeem Nunez-Roches are the only, average or better, options that remain, from last year, and two of the three should be upgraded. While the depth of this draft doesn’t measure up to when Chris Jones was drafted, there are still some quality options that could bolster Chiefs’ depth and, hopefully, add to their starting rotation.
Pick 54 NT Tim Settle 6’3” 335lbs
Huge man with fearsome bull rush. Young player, will turn 21 in July. Settle offers a rare opportunity. He’s a little raw, but that also equates to less wear and tear, something that’s critical at a position where injury issues are an inevitability. Settle’s brute strength, and surprising agility, for his size, give him first round upside. A lot of people have him ranked in the 3rd and 4th round, but I don’t think he’ll fall that far. Chiefs would be smart to snag him, the first chance they get.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
5.37 |
None |
23.5” |
96” |
7.95 |
4.83 |
Pick 78 DE RJ McKintosh 6′4” 286lbs
McKintosh is a little light in the britches, and will have to add some weight. That said, he’s an agile lineman who can play DT or DE and get pressure on the QB. Did particularly well on stunts, in college. McKintosh will have to be used as a rotational pass rusher initially, but, with an off-season in an NFL weight program, he could turn into a full time starter sooner than you think. Played a high volume of snaps in college, so he can handle a big work load.
Pick 86 DE Rasheem Greene 6′5” 275lbs
Similar to McKintosh, Greene needs to add muscle to his frame. Greene is a better athlete, with a higher ceiling, but it could take longer for the light to turn on for him. Needs coached up and will be a liability against the run, till he’s bigger. In spite of all that, Greene is a dynamic athlete who can turn into a consistent force as a pass rusher, from the DE spot. Chiefs need more pass rushers, and they can’t afford to overlook a guy with Greene’s potential. He’s crazy explosive, for his size.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.73 |
None |
32.5” |
118” |
7.24 |
4.39 |
Pick 122 DT Trenton Thompson 6‘4” 295lbs
Thompson has the build and skills to be a quality DT. Unfortunately, he’s dealt with a lot of injuries. Chiefs will need to dig into his medicals, but for a 4th round pick, he’s worth taking a shot on. Good talent in the trenches isn’t easy to come by, Veach will have to make some gambles in this draft, and Thompson could be one of them.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
5.06 |
None |
32.5” |
111” |
7.68 |
4.56 |
Pick 124 DT Folorunso Fatukasi 6′4” 315lbs
NFL size and strength right out of the box. Foley (nickname per NFL.com) is a big strong guy and has a weird name (which helps you get drafted by the Chiefs). His technique needs significant work, but he’s got tools to work with. While he’ll likely be low on the depth chart, his first year, his ability to play all three spots on the DL make him a worthwhile investment.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.66 |
None |
35.5” |
121” |
7.05 |
4.24 |
Pick 196 PJ Hall 6′1” 310lbs
While Hall had insane college production, he may be too small to make a consistent impact in the NFL. However, as a part of the rotation, or situational pass rusher, Hall has crazy quickness and a low center of gravity that can lead to quick pressures. He’s pretty much a depth only guy, but that has some value. Rakeem Nunez-Rochez (who NFL.com compares Hall to) has been a useful guy to have around.
Pick 233 NT DeAsian Richardson 6′3” 326lbs
Evaluations of Richardson vary, but the bottom line is, it’s hard to be productive when you’re not healthy. Richardson isn’t anything special, but he could be a run stuffing NT, if he stays healthy, and, for a 7th round pick, that would be a great value.
Pick 243 DT Conor Sheehy 6′4” 293lbs
Classic “lunch pail” player. Brings great attitude and effort every day. Played through a broken wrist. Strong upper body and can win with the bull rush. Doesn’t have the base to hold up consistently in the run game. Lacks game changing traits. Depth only player, who can be a solid addition to your locker room, and a back end of the roster DT.
Aside from OLB, DL is probably the thinnest group on the roster. The return of Jarvis Jenkins and Nunez-Rochez help maintain the status quo, and Williams should be a welcome addition. Chiefs still need to get better in the trenches. DL should be a major focus in the draft, Chiefs should look to get a good starter or a couple of depth guys. My first choice would be Tim Settle. He would fill the void left by Dontari Poe, and contribute to Brett Veach’s youth movement. Alternatively, I could see Chiefs moving up in the draft to select a guy with even more potential, like Taven Bryan or DaRon Payne. If Veach has showed us anything so far, it’s to expect the unexpected. Go Chiefs.
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