The next pick is in…
With their third pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders. The pick comes at it’s original slot in the second round at No. 84 overall, acquired in trade with the Seahawks.
Saunders had some great production for Western Illinois in 2018, with 72 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has to say about Saunders:
“Active defensive lineman with an impressive combination of agility and athletic ability. Saunders might need to find his fit as a one-gap nose tackle in a 4-3 defense as his lack of consistent, in-line anchor could be a concern on the next level. He has been a disruptive force against a lower level of competition but flashed some of that same disruption during Senior Bowl practice week and an elevated level of competition. If he can improve his conditioning to become more disruptive for longer stretches, he’ll have a chance to become a solid rotational defender and eventual starter.”
