Now that we’ve passed the first wave of free agency, our friends over at Draft Wire have released a new mock draft. This mock draft only covers three rounds and includes several trades. While the Chiefs didn’t make a trade in this particular mock draft, they’re a team to keep an eye on. They don’t currently have any picks beyond the fifth round and could look to trade down and pick up some extra selections.
Here’s a look at Luke Easterling’s latest choices for the Chiefs along with my thoughts on each of those choices:
32. Kansas City Chiefs
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE/DL | Iowa
Epenesa is still the choice for the Chiefs at pick No. 32 for Easterling. Here are his latest thoughts on why the pick makes sense for Kansas City.
“Another team that probably wouldn’t mind trading back, the Chiefs can also just wait for the value to fall to them. That lines up with their biggest needs in this situation, as a versatile defensive lineman like Epenesa would be a huge boost to a front that needs to reload with some youth. Despite disappointing at the combine, Epenesa’s film should still prove him to be a first-round pick.”
This pick is growing on me for a variety of reasons. If we look to the future, DE Tanoh Kpassagnon is set to become a free agent. He’s the type of role player that could fetch a lot on the open market. The Chiefs need to prepare their defensive line rotation for that potential departure and Epenesa offers similar versatility.
I like that Easterling is thinking trade back here, because that’s what Brett Veach should be thinking about too, especially given their success from picks 56 to 63 in 2019.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF)
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
I love the idea of adding J.K. Dobbins to an already potent offense in Kansas City. Dobbins is coming from a college scheme that really fits what the Chiefs like to do at the RB position, with true three-down experience heading into the NFL. He shows great elusiveness in the open field, he can catch and when he doesn’t get the back he’s a good blocker. There is already another former Ohio State Buckeye in the RB room in Mike Weber, so he’ll feel right at home.
We can argue about the value of running backs until we’re all blue in the face. Dobbins would be the highest-drafted RB by the Chiefs since Larry Johnson in 2003 if he was selected here. But if landing one of the top players in the draft class at this position means spending a late second-round pick, I’m all for it.
96. Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Ojemudia | CB | Iowa
The Iowa Hawkeyes are really popular with Brett Veach in this mock draft, selecting A.J. Epenesa in the first round and Ojemudia in the third. While Ojemudia has good size and length, I worry about his ability to play press-man coverage in the NFL. His experience there was a mixed bag in limited opportunities at Iowa.
Waiting until the third round to draft a cornerback shows a lack of urgency for Kansas City. Frankly, if they don’t make another move in free agency they need to find another starter and I’m not sure that Ojemudia can be that guy in his first year in the league.
