In Draft Wire’s post-combine mock draft, the Chiefs opt for a unique choice at pick No. 32. Many analysts have Kansas City taking a running back in the first round, others look to their very obvious need at cornerback. This time around Luke Easterling chose to send help in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball.
The choice for the Chiefs was Iowa defensive lineman AJ Epenesa. Here’s a look at what Easterling had to say about sending Epenesa to 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.”
Epenesa was once considered a top 15 pick in the upcoming draft class, but he turned in one of the most disappointing combine performances. It seems like some of the pre-combine concerns about his athleticism were valid. He’ll have a chance to improve his scores during his pro day at Iowa in late March.
I’m not sure that I would consider the defensive line position among the Chiefs’ biggest needs, especially if DT Chris Jones remains on the team. They certainly don’t need more bodies at edge rusher in 2019. That said, Epenesa still has some of the traits that Steve Spagnuolo likes in his edge defenders.
First of all, he has great size and length for the position at 6-feet-6 and 280 pounds. He has the inside to outside versatility that Spagnuolo likes along the defensive line, with the ability to contribute in his signature NASCAR packages. Most importantly, Epenesa is strong against the run, setting the edge and shedding would-be blockers with ease.
This could certainly be an option on the table for Kansas City, but we still need to see how things play out during free agency.
