This week we’ll begin taking a look at several prospects invited to the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. You can find the full list of players attending the event here. We’ll take a look at a healthy dose of both offensive and defensive players and identify those that could be a fit for the Chiefs.
I have identified over 170 prospects for the 2019 draft that I believe could be potential fits for the Kansas City Chiefs. I’ll be releasing mini scouting reports on these prospects in random groups of five up until the draft.
Trevon Wesco TE West Virginia
Trevon Wesco is one of the more underrated tight ends in this draft class. His lack of production over the course of his career at West Virginia will be a cause for concern, but his tape is a blast to watch.
First of all he’s the perfect fit as a Y tight end. He can block in-line, as an h-back, and on the wing. If the Chiefs wanted to stop carrying a fullback on the roster and just use Wesco there, they could probably get away with it.
Wesco also happens to be a great pass catcher. He’s flashes yards-after-catch ability in a big way. Some of his tape is more slippery akin to Travis Kelce, while other times he rumbles through opponent tackle attempts like he’s Rob Gronkowski.
The Chiefs could potentially be looking to add a new tight end with Demetrius Harris scheduled to become a free agent. Wesco would be positioned to make an immediate impact on the Chiefs offense as both a blocker and a receiver.
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Darius West S Kentucky
Kentucky defensive coordinator Matt House is scheduled to join the Chiefs defensive coaching staff. He brings with him a unique insight into their defensive players scheduled to enter the 2019 NFL draft.
The Chiefs will likely miss out on House’s best defender Josh Allen, he’s scheduled to be a top-15 pick in the draft. There are several defensive backs from Kentucky that the Chiefs could be in the mix for, including safety Darius West.
West is a good option if the Chiefs want to add a versatile safety. He plays the run and the pass with equal ferocity. He’s got good ball skills, and his tackles stop players cold in their tracks. West is more powerful than you’d expect a 5-foot-11 safety to be. He’s also unafraid when taking on players bigger than he is. Range is something that is necessary in Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme and he has plenty of it.
Another bonus for this player is that he’s a special teams ace. Toub would likely use him in several of his units. If the Chiefs find themselves looking for a safety in the middle rounds of the draft, West might not be a bad option.
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Derrek Thomas CB Baylor
Derrek Thomas is a graduate transfer from Temple. He was recruited as a receiver and transitioned to corner during his junior season. This doesn’t shock me given he has only a few interceptions during his career. His ball skills are definitely lacking, but he competes on every snap. 2018 was only his third season playing corner and he made some big strides.
At 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds, Thomas is long and lean. He excels in press-man and bail coverage. He played both quite a bit for Baylor in 2018. He’s also flashed in zone and off-man concepts, but didn’t play those quite as much. He has some very impressive burst to drive on the football when he’s allowed to read the quarterback.
The Big 12 is known for great offensive play and a distinct lack of good defense. Thomas held his own against some of the most explosive players that conference has to offer. Guys like David Sills, Antoine Wesley, and Ceedee Lamb.
Right now, Thomas is a relative unknown in this draft class. I think he has a chance to open some eyes with his athleticism and a good combine performance. If the Chiefs are dabbling in the secondary in the middle rounds of the draft, Thomas could be a great option for them.
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Kingsley Keke DL Texas A&M
If the Chiefs are looking for insurance in Chris Jones’ contract negotiations, Kingsley Keke is the player I’d be targeting.
At the Senior Bowl he weighed in at 6-foot-2 and 286 pounds. Keke has a wicked pass rush repertoire from the defensive interior. Having multiple moves that he can win and find success with at the college level will only help his NFL game.
Keke also has the speed of an edge rusher which can often frustrate interior offensive lineman. It happened all week during the Senior Bowl practice. When they were expecting speed he gave them a bull rush and walked them back into the quarterback.
Right now Keke has perhaps the most impressive physical traits of any interior defensive lineman. His lateral agility and hip flexibility make me think he’ll be perfect for a Steve Spagnuolo defensive front. He’ll need some more coaching and refinement for the NFL game. One thing I want to see more of is a better use of his arm length, especially in the run game.
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Iosua Opeta OG Weber State
Iosua “Sua” Opeta is the only player from Weber State attending the combine. That’s always a big honor to represent your team among the next class of elite NFL players.
Opeta started every game in each of his final three seasons at Weber State. He’s been a staple along their offensive line, mostly playing left tackle and locking up the blind side. He might project best to the interior offensive line in the NFL.
When you watch Opeta play the biggest thing that pops off the tape is his athleticism. He moves extremely well for 6-foot-4 and 311 pounds. His play strength is definitely up to par. He’s often seen stone-walling defenders in pass protection, and creating movement in the running game.
The big worry with Opeta is how he’ll handle NFL speed rushers. Moving him to the inside means he won’t have to deal with quite as much speed, but it’ll still be much different from playing in the Big Sky conference and FCS football. If the Chiefs are considering a late round addition for another developmental offensive line piece, Opeta has the physical tools. He just needs to be coached up to his potential in the NFL.
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