The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets on the DL

The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets on the DL – the more time that passes, the more it seems Chiefs are bound and determined to sign DT Chris Jones, or at least play him on the Franchise Tag. If that indeed proves to be the case, the need, on the defensive line doesn’t seem to be too great. Still, DC Steve Spagnuolo really values a robust rotation. This draft isn’t incredibly deep at the position, but there are a number of fairly good fits.

Pick 32: DT, Raekwon Davis

Alabama, 6’6” 311 lbs.

Raekwon Davis is a gap eraser. Long arms and a super solid base make him nearly impossible to move. He’s got a ton of upside, as a pass rusher, but never developed. A lot of teams will be out on Davis, because they expected more, from his physical skill-set. The Chiefs have the locker room and coaching staff to get the most out of a player like that. Davis is an immediate starter, on run downs, with the upside to be a special player, if he finally puts in the effort.

Pick 63: DT, Davon Hamilton

Ohio State 6’4” 320 lbs.

Strong player, with decent length. Hamilton fits the mold of a Spagnuolo DL. He is a fairly good athlete and a good run defender that has some upside as a pass rusher. Technique needs a little work, but he’s well on his way to being a 3-down DL.

Pick 96: DT, Leki Fotu

Utah, 6’5” 330 lbs.

There’s big and then there’s Utah’s Leki Fotu. An absolute mountain of a man who moves surprisingly well, at his size. Very long arms and massive hands. Teams may overlook him, due to his lack of pass rush talent, but Spagnuolo will love a guy like this who can obliterate the run and shrink the pocket, if you fail to double team him. Fotu could give Chiefs a young player with Damon Harrison type potential.

Pick 138: DT, Tyler Clark

Georgia, 6’4” 300 lbs.

Athletically interior Defensive Lineman. Should do well executing Stunts and Twists. Adequate strength and length. Plays with good discipline, and awareness, in the run game. Needs to develop a plan, as a pass rusher, but the upside is there. The Chiefs will need to figure out exactly how they want to use Clark, but he offers versatility as a run stopper or pass rusher. Specializing in one role or the other, would probably speed his transition to the NFL.

Pick 177: DT, Auzoyah Alufohai

West Georgia, 6‘4” 327 lbs.

Giant man with vines for arms. Alufohai was a late convert to football, first playing his senior year of high-school. He played his initial college ball for a tiny football program, at Kennesaw State, before transferring to West Georgia. Not surprisingly, Alufohai is still in need of a lot of development. Needs work on both body composition and technique. That said, he’s got a good work ethic and phenomenal frame. Give Spagnuolo and Brendan Daly a year to work with this kid and watch him blossom into a dominant run defender.

Summary: DL

With in-house options, the Chiefs are unlikely to make much of a splash on the DL. However, I would love for them to take a shot on either Fotu or Alufohai. Not so much for the interesting names, as for the dominant run defense. Spags has shown an ability to scheme up pressure, when necessary. Finding some DL who can really keep the LBs clean, could prove essential. Especially if Chiefs are unable to secure the coverage LB they’re rumored to be looking for. Sorenson isn’t going to fill gaps, but with Leki Fotu in front of him, he can absolutely make cleanup tackles and cover running backs.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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