The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets on the Edge

The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets on the Edge – with starters and depth in place, the edge position seems relatively low on Chiefs’ list of priorities. However, with the way that Steve Spagnuolo has run his defense, it’s still a fine place to invest. This is especially true when considering Chiefs options at DE going forward as the Chiefs lost Emmanuel Ogbah, who was a stellar performer for them last year and Alex Okafor has struggled to stay healthy, for a full season. While Okafor is under contract through the end of 2021, he’d also be easy to cut this year or next, without a ton of dead cap. Plus, Tanoh Kpassagnon is entering a contract year as well.

Generally speaking, Edge players, not taken in the top 15, take at least a year to develop. With that in mind, Chiefs may wish to bolster their depth, but this year’s class offers few sure things.

Pick 32: Edge, AJ Epenesa

Iowa, 6’5” 275 lbs.

Epensesa possesses the physical profile that Chiefs covet. Big player with long arms to set the edge. Plays with necessary effort and explosion, out of his stance. He’s not a good athlete, and his combine performance was painfully bad. Watching his tape, I’m not sure he’s quite where he needs to be, from a conditioning standpoint. Still, he’s a good pass rusher, with the necessary hustle to succeed, in the NFL. Should offer something to the rotation right away, but he should make more of an impact in 2021.

Pick 63: Edge, Jabari Zuniga

Florida, 6’3” 264 lbs.

Zuniga has all the traits you look for in an edge defender. He’s strong, fast and explosive. Technique is kind of a mess, but the effort is there. Might need some work, before you can trust him to set the edge. Zuniga will start his career as a pass rush specialist. He’s got a really exciting ceiling, but the coaching staff needs to see a pathway to him reaching that ceiling, because he has a long way to go.

Pick 96: Edge, Marlon Davidson

Auburn, 6’3” 303 lbs.

Davidson is a bit of an odd player. He’s built like a pass down 3-tech, but he plays better on the outside. Davidson will never be a feature player, but he has a lot of traits that fit the Chiefs defense well, and can be really dangerous on stunts and twists. Teams who don’t like him will call him a tweener, but Chiefs should see the versatility, in his skill set, and find ways to deploy him. Similar to a swing OL, Defensive Lineman, with Davidson’s versatility, can really help you in roster construction, or in case of injury.

Pick 138: Edge, Jason Strowbridge

North Carolina, 6’4” 275 lbs.

Big, physical player, who is a decent athlete. Experienced rushing both inside and outside. Quality outing at the Senior Bowl, a place where Chiefs have often looked, for prospects. His technique needs work, and he doesn’t have one special trait, but he’s a good all around DL who could work into the rotation.

Pick 177: Edge, Jonathan Garvin

Miami, 6’4” 263 lbs.

Taylor made for Chiefs scheme. Strong player, with long arms and decent speed. Effort and technique are inconsistent, but flashes of greatness are there. Could take some time to see his potential realized, but it should prove worth the wait. Garvin could be a very affordable starter for the Chiefs, but not until 2022, and a rotational player next year.

Summary: Edge Rushers

This year’s edge class doesn’t really compare to last year, but there are a number of intriguing options. The Chiefs probably shouldn’t spend a high pick there, given their current depth. Bringing in either Marlon Davidson, or Jonathan Garvin, would put them in a good position going into 2021, should they have to move on from Tanoh Kpassagnon. If K.C. isn’t able to address the Edge through the draft, they’ll have to hope that the combination of Breeland Speaks, Tim Ward, and Demone Harris can serve as reliable depth for the 2020 season.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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