There is no bigger hole on Kansas City Chiefs roster than outside linebacker (OLB). Dee Ford has potential, but it’s rarely been realized, and he’s in the final year of his deal. Houston costs an arm and a leg. Tanoh Kpassagnon looks like a Greek God, but lacks polish and experience on the edge. Other entrants are either old and slow, or pure potential with no production to date. The problem with this is, good OLBs are almost never found outside the first round. I’ll give a guy that Chiefs could draft in each round, but understand that each of these individuals is going to be either a multi-year project, or an injury waiting to happen. If the Chiefs want a starting OLB, they’re going to have to trade up, get one next year, or hope one of their guys develops.
Pick 54 OLB Josh Sweat 6’4” 251lbs
Sweat is a freak athlete. Super fast, super explosive, long arms and big hands. Has the necessary agility to succeed in coverage. Sweat needs his technique polished, but has good to great starter potential. Unfortunately, he’s got a pretty serious knee injury that’s dogged him. Teams will be concerned about his durability at a position that puts a ton of strain on your body. He’s probably the most talented guy the Chiefs will have a shot at, but, depending on how healthy he stays, they might regret taking him.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.53 |
None |
39.5” |
124” |
None |
4.28 |
Pick 78 OLB Lorenzo Carter 6′6” 250lbs
Physical freak. Fast, explosive, long tall, he’s got it all. That said, Carter needs to add weight. He’s light for his size and hasn’t imposed his will in college. Production and potential haven’t matched up. Tape shows he’s getting better, but could take some time to adjust to NFL talent, as he took some time to develop in college. Super high ceiling player, but is a boom or bust type pick.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.50 |
None |
36” |
130” |
None |
None |
Pick 86 LB Jeff Holland 6′2” 249lbs
Holland plays hard and smart. Uses good technique and is consistently looking to bend the edge and not overrun the QB. He’s limited as an athlete, and could struggle in coverage. Won’t offer much of a speed rush, wins with technique over physical ability. Holland could be a younger Frank Zombo. He’ll give you a guy who can take reps in a rotation right away, but he’ll probably never be an above average player.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.79 |
None |
None |
116” |
None |
None |
Pick 122 OLB Trevon Young 6‘4” 258lbs
Size, length and athleticism match up with what you want for the position. Young had a very serious injury in 2015 and may still not be 100% recovered from it. Looked like he was playing at half speed and effort a lot this year, probably because he didn’t want to get re-injured before the draft. Young has starter-upside, which is tough to find this late in the draft, but health and effort could keep him from realizing his potential.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.78 |
25 |
33” |
114” |
6.99 |
4.40 |
Pick 124 OLB Uchenna Nwosu 6′3” 251lbs
Actually played 3-4 OLB in college. Looks like he plays pretty hard. Solid eyes, though his instincts are still a work in progress. Skill set is still developing, hasn’t played a ton of football in his life. Doesn’t look to have the strength to handle run blocking yet. Speed is ok, but doesn’t bend the edge very much, so he wins more on inside counter moves. Mental make up may not be right, but the potential is there. Profiles as a career backup OLB, but that has value, and he’ll probably be ready to take on that role relatively early. If his instincts improve, but his strength doesn’t Chiefs could try him at ILB.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.65 |
20 |
32” |
119” |
None |
None |
Pick 196 OLB Ade Aruna 6′6” 262lbs
Tested really well at the combine, but doesn’t look nearly as fast on tape. Plays very tentatively. Raw player, needs better instincts, effort and technique. Athetes of his caliber don‘t often fall so late in the draft, but he hasn’t really shown you much in college that makes you think he can succeed in the NFL. Chiefs could take a gamble on his traits, but they need to be confident that coaches can get to him. Could be 2-3 years off from being anything other than a STs freak.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.6 |
18 |
38.5” |
128” |
7.53 |
4.48 |
Pick 233 OLB Ja’Von Rolland-Jones 6′2” 244lbs
Polished pass rusher with multiple moves who plays hard every snap. Technique is great. Lack of size, strength, or special athleticism makes him a situational player only. Won’t be able to hold up against the run. He can cause pressure, but when he doesn’t he’ll usually gets thrown down. Jones effort, smarts and technique make him worth a look, but his lack of NFL traits will severely limit his ceiling, as a player.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.88 |
23 |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Pick 243 No pick suggested
OLB, while a major need, may not be worth paying much attention to in the draft. The Chiefs can look at other ways of getting pressure on the QB, either from the interior, or through the blitz. That said, most OLBs are developmental, and the sooner you start developing them, the better chance you have of, eventually, securing a starter. I would like to see Chiefs go after Lorenzo Carter or Josh Sweat. Pass rushers may be too big of a priority to ignore, even when there isn’t a game one starter available.
If you are viewing this in Apple News and would like to join the Discussion, [GO HERE.](http://arrowheadone.com/cbs-2018-lazy-big-board-olb/#disqus_thread)