A quick glance at the roster would leave you with the impression that Chiefs won’t draft a safety at all. After all, they just signed Eric Berry to a huge deal, Ron Parker is still under contract and Daniel Sorenson signed an extension. On top of that, they just drafted Eric Murray last year, and he’s been a special teams standout. Once you look at the draft though, you start to change your mind, because Chiefs are in a great spot to pick up some of the best safety talent the draft has to offer in most rounds. Take a look:
Pick 27 S/LB Obi Melifonwu 6’4” 224
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Obi, but it’s well deserved. He’s a freak athlete and the perfect size to cover the athletic TEs who are becoming popular in the NFL. He packs a huge punch as a hitter and offers a lot more in the way of run support than most safeties. It seems crazy to spend a first round draft pick on your 5th safety, but Chiefs play a ton of nickle and dime sets with a S at LB. They struggled against the run in that set, Melifonwu could provide an instant boost and take this defense to the next level. He could also allow Chiefs to move on from Ron Parker for cap reasons in a year or two if they need to.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.40 |
17 |
44” |
141” |
None |
None |
Pick 59 S Marcus Williams 6′1” 202lbs
Chiefs probably won’t draft a S in the 2nd round, but if they do, Williams could be a solid choice. Needs some more meat on his bones, but Williams is a ball hawk. Sixth sense to know where the ball is going, explosive athleticism and change of direction. Can out-leap most players and has Hands like a WR. Good technique with his tackles. Not a thumper. Free safety only. Often takes bad angles to the edge. With all his faults, few safeties are better at taking the ball away than Williams. Chiefs defense forces a lot of errant throws, Williams can take full advantage.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.56 |
14 |
43.5” |
129” |
6.85 |
4.20 |
Pick 91 CB/S Fabian Moreau 6′ 206lbs
Tentative player right now, but he’s slowly gaining confidence. Started out playing RB, but he’s learning to play CB. Has the size, speed athleticism numbers of a 1st round pick, but needs significant polishing. Chiefs can try him out and CB, and, if it doesn’t work, his size and speed should make him a great fit for S. Should be able to get it done on STs while he waits for his opportunity to start.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.35 |
None |
38” |
136” |
6.94 |
4.12 |
Pick 104 S/LB Josh Harvey-Clemons 6‘4” 217lbs
A poor-man’s Melifonwu, Clemons possesses many of the same traits, but at a less freakish level. Multiple failed drug tests could spell trouble, but his talent and scheme fit should out-weight those concerns if you can get him at the right spot. Great fit for the Chiefs as a nickel/dime LB.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
None |
12 |
31.5” |
121” |
None |
None |
Pick 132 S Josh Jones 6′1” 220lbs
Aggressive and hungry for contact. Hits like a load of bricks and explodes through contact with phenomenal size and athleticism. Over-aggressive at times. Can get so focused on the big hit that he misses the tackle altogether. Instincts need some development. Jones might not start right away, but who cares. He’s going to be an absolute terror on STs and when he does finally start, the opposing offense isn’t going to be a happy about it.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.41 |
20 |
37.5” |
132” |
None |
None |
Pick 170 or 180 S Xavier Woods 5′11” 197lbs
Ball-hawking safety. Great instincts and good hands. Average speed, with good change of direction traits. Can gamble a little too much in coverage. Looks to lay the hit instead of wrapping up when he tackles and can miss some tackles because of it. Super productive playmaker in college, who lacks unique traits for the NFL, but can be a solid depth player and could surprise fans with his ability when he hits the field.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.56 |
19 |
33.5 |
122” |
6.72 |
4.13 |
Pick 216 or 218 S David Jones 6′2” 210lbs
Jones must be a good last name for safeties, because this draft has me trying to keep up with them. David missed last year after fracturing his left forearm. It wasn’t the first time he’d been hurt. Skinny frame poses durability concerns. Has great length though, and tackles pretty well. Turnover machine who produced nine interceptions in 2015. Could be another Sanders Commings (hurt all the time), but he has solid potential. (No Workout)
Pick 245 S John Johnson 6′ 208lbs
His 40 time might make you pause, but don’t let it. Johnson may not have great straight line speed, but he’s a very explosive and fluid athlete. Has experience at both CB and S. Has soft hands for the interception. Not a hard hitter, but physical enough. He’s not quite as aggressive as you would like. Played FS and was not always looking to be the first guy there. Played for a small school and his tackling technique needs work. Overall, a great coverage athlete, with a play-making upside who can play STs. (No Combine Workout)
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.61 |
14 |
37” |
119” |
6.72 |
4.18 |
Chiefs could easily be set at safety, but, if Dorsey abides by BPA (best player available), there’s a good chance they might snag one anyway. I’m particularly impressed with the ball skills displayed by this class. Not a lot of thumpers, but quite a few players who can snag highlight reel interceptions. If Chiefs can snag a guy who plays STs and competes for a spot in three safety sets, it could be well worth the investment.