The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets at Will

The Lazy Big Board:

Chiefs Targets at Will

by Ransom Hawthorne | April 20, 2019

Many of us Kansas City Chiefs fans have presumed that Dorian O’Daniel would be the plan at WILL linebacker position, but Nate Taylor, of the Athletic, said the initial plan is for him to play as a sub package player. A strong performance, in training camp, can earn O’Daniel a starting spot, but, for now, the position remains a need. Fortunately, for the Chiefs, options for WILL are more abundant, and more exciting, than options for the Mike. Even so, the overall LB class is weak, so I only see three guys who are clear upgrades, over DOD. One will be gone before Chiefs, pick, in the first, the other will be gone by their 2^nd pick. Still, linebackers are notoriously hard to scout. Just because O’Daniel is a superior athlete doesn’t mean one of these guys won’t prove to have better instincts.

Pick 29 WILL Devin Bush, Michigan 5‘11” 234 lbs: Feisty ball of muscles who comes downhill like a heat seeking missile. Bush has it all instincts, athleticism, explosion and, most importantly, competitive fire. He’s a little on the small side, as LBs go, but that won’t be a problem, from the Will position. If Chiefs want to add an instant impact player, at the Will spot, Bush is the guy. Any Will, picked after Bush, is just competition for O’Daniel, or depth. You want to solidify the position, in a weak class, you’ve got to strike early.

Pick 61 or 63 WILL Blake Cashman, Minnesota 6′1” 237 lbs: Speed merchant who flies around like a bat out of hell. Love his attitude and athleticism. Small player, with short arms. He’s going to have a tough time getting off of blocks, and will probably occasionally miss some tackles. That said, the WILL position should allow him to roam free, and make plays. In a weak class, Cashman at least fits the ideal athletic profile for a WILL, and should help you, in coverage.

Pick 92 WILL Vosean Joseph, Florida 6‘1” 230 lbs: Joseph’s instincts aren’t particularly great. Tape is kind of up and down, but he’s a good athlete. He’s also pretty good, in coverage. His true allure lies in his ability, as a blitzer, with four sacks, last year. Joseph will certainly need polishing, but his ability in coverage, and as a rusher, will let him see the field earlier, than a guy like that would’ve 10 years ago.

Be sure and MUTE the following:

Pick 167 WILL Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington 6‘ 230 lbs: Fast and fluid. High motor player with great instincts. BK is a small player and not especially explosive. Polished all around WILL LB, with limited upside, who will probably make his living on STs, but possesses enough athletic ability to see spot duty, as a starter, and look alright.

Pick 201 WILL Sione Takitaki, BYU 6′1” 238 lbs: I have a special place in my heart for super high effort players. It’s one of the things I loved about Phillip Lindsay, last year, and it’s what I love about Takitaki. He played all over the field, for BYU and gave his all, snap after snap. He certainly possesses enough straight line speed, but his fluidity needs some work. If Chiefs can loosen him up, a little, he’ll be a steal. If not, he can still offer the versatility to play all three LB spots, while dominating on STs.

Pick 214 or 216 WILL Ulysses Gilbert, Akron 6′ 224 lbs: Instinctive run stopping LB. Generally navigates well through traffic, though if a big blocker reaches him, it’s over. Good athlete, but needs work on his coverage. Might need to be on the practice squad for a year, but a strong showing, on STs, could allow him to make the roster. Options, this late aren’t great, but Gilbert has really good instincts, in the run game, so you’ve got something to work with.

I still think Dorian O’Daniel is the best guy to play the WILL spot. If Chiefs want a definite upgrade, they’re going to have to spend a 1^st round pick, on Devin Bush. If they don’t do that, I’d look to a later option, probably Takitaki, for depth. This isn’t the year to need a WILL, so don’t be surprised if Chiefs look at add depth there through trade, or cuts, after the draft.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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