With their second-round pick in the NFL draft, the Chiefs addressed edge rusher, selecting Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova 59th overall Friday.
The Chiefs also have a third-round pick, 104th overall, on Friday. They have six picks on the final night of the draft Saturday.
Kpassagnon (pronounced TAWN-oh pass-N-yo), is the first Villanova defensive player to be taken in the draft since Howie Long was taken in the second round by the Oakland Raiders in 1981.
A two-year starter at Villanova, Kpassagnon was a team captain who recorded 45 tackles _ including a stunning 21{ for loss _ and 11 sacks in 2016. He's also got a knack for blocking kicks, as he's blocked three the last two years.
The Chiefs were also attracted to Kpassagnon's physical gifts. The 6-foot-7, 289-pounder has very long arms _ 35 | inches _ and ran an impressive 4.83 40-yard dash, given his size.
Kpassagnon _ who gained 70 pounds over the course of his college career _ also posted a 128-inch broad jump at the combine, was among the top marks at his position.
He also has brains, to boot, as he was an accounting/finance double major at Villanova who had an internship with accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Kpassagnon will have an adjustment to make, going from FCS to the NFL. But he did play in a 3-4 defense in college, and is confident he can help the Chiefs.
"My speed and power have carried me through," Kpassagnon said. "I just have to learn a little more technique, but I just have to take it to the next level.
"Just throw me out there. I'm ready."
