There are still 28 selections ahead of where the Chiefs are slated to make their first selection this evening, during the 2019 NFL draft. It’s possible the Chiefs manage to trade up, but it’s also possible that they’re comfortable staying where they’re at.
While Chiefs fans are probably feeling good about the talent that remains, there will be some anxiousness while they wait for the Chiefs to come on the clock. Many of the players will come off the board quickly, but several could still be available at both No. 61 and No. 63.
Offense
South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel
I know that this is probably not the receiver that most of you are hoping for, but I don’t expect either of the Ole Miss receivers, or Hakeem Butler to last long. The Chiefs met with Samuel in a formal meeting at the combine, so it’s clear there’s some interest there.
Samuel proved that he’s an explosive playmaker in the receiving game at 2018 at South Carolina, a year after a season-ending leg injury. Perhaps equally important for the Chiefs now is that Samuel is an exciting return-man with four kick return touchdowns in his career.
Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger
The Chiefs brought Sternberger into the facility for a pre-draft visit. However, this is not about potentially replacing an aging Travis Kelce. This is about adding a new dimension to the Chiefs offense.
We’ve seen offenses successfully utilize two athletic receiving tight ends in the past (think 2011 Patriots). Kansas City could effectively dominate the seems with Sternberger and Kelce in the fold for the 2019 season. Teams can hardly stop Kelce alone. What would happen if they had another tight end that they’re tasked with covering?
Oklahoma State RB Justice Hill
This would be an interesting one for the Chiefs. Hill doesn’t exactly fit the prototypical size of the running backs that the Chiefs look for under Brett Veach. However, several of those backs they’ve brought in for pre-draft visits also don’t fit his requirements. I feel like the Chiefs may be straying from their tendencies to find a new and unique skill set at the position.
Hill runs with speed and physicality despite his smaller frame. He has some of the better cutting ability in this class, which leads to him being quite elusive in with the ball in his hands. He’s shown that he has some ability to catch the ball too, which is a crucial part of the Chiefs scheme. He could potentially flex out into the slot on certain downs for Kansas City.
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Defense
Vanderbilt CB Joejuan Williams
This a player that the Chiefs have shown a ton of interest in during the pre-draft process. They had both formal and informal meetings with him at the combine, and they brought him in to Kansas City for a pre-draft visit.
Williams is a long press coverage corner with solid movement skills. Guys that are his size aren’t supposed to move like he does. He doesn’t have great long speed so he needs to get his hands on guys at the line and compete with physical coverage. He’s a match-up nightmare for teams with bigger possession receivers.
Delaware S Nasir Adderley
Adderley was a consensus first round pick according to the media, but apparently the NFL wasn’t as sold on him going that high. I still believe that Adderley could be the first FCS player drafted, but the question is when will he go?
The Chiefs were looking to pair Earl Thomas with Tyrann Mathieu during free agency, but that fell through. Could they perhaps look to a rangy safety like Adderley were he available? The Chiefs did meet with Adderley at the combine, and he goes to the Alma Mater of GM Brett Veach. I have to imagine he’s among the options they’ll consider in the second round.
BYU LB Sione Takitaki
I’m in the minority, but I believe that Takitaki is one of the 75 best players in this draft class. Given all of the pre-draft visits that he took with NFL teams, including the Chiefs, I feel like there might be some general managers who agree with me.
Takitaki’s positional versatility is truly astounding. He can play any of the three linebacker spots in a 4-3 base defense. He can cover tight ends. He can put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer. I have a feeling that teams like KC will value that versatility significantly. Additionally, Takitaki has more college production that a player that I often compare him to in Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower. Keep in mind, Hightower was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2012 draft.
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