If there was one position group that was completely transformed in 2019, it was the Kansas City Chiefs’ edge rushers.
The team switched from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 defense. Now instead of getting their edge rush from outside linebackers in a two-point stance, they were getting their edge pressure from defensive linemen in a three-point stance.
From a personnel standpoint, the Chiefs return their two starters from 2019 in Frank Clark and Alex Okafor. Tanoh Kpassagnon and Demone Harris also received rotational repetitions for Kansas City. Breeland Speaks is set to return from injury and could also secure a rotational role. The Chiefs also have two developmental players, Tim Ward and Anthony Lanier.
While there are a lot of bodies, upgrades aren’t out of the question for Kansas City. Here are some of the edge rushers the Chiefs could consider in each round of the 2020 NFL draft:
Round 1: Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos
If the Chiefs decide to go pass-rusher in the first round, Gross-Matos is the best option for Kansas City. There is some doubt that he’ll be available at pick No. 32 because many view him as the top edge behind Ohio State’s Chase Young.
At 6-5 and 265 pounds, Gross-Matos has great size. He also has length, with 35-inch arms, to play rush defensive end in the Chiefs’ system. During his career, he’s shown the ability to get after the quarterback and wreak havoc in the backfield, demonstrated by 18.5 career sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss.
At the combine, Gross-Matos only participated in the bench press (15), broad jump (120 inches) and vertical jump (34 inches). He’s clearly explosive, the bench press number would be more concerning if he didn’t display good strength on tape.
Round 2: Boise State DE Curtis Weaver
Weaver was dominant during his career with the Broncos, accumulating 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss. The big question he had coming into the pre-draft process was whether he was the athlete to match his strong production. The combine didn’t really help convince his doubters, with just average agility and explosiveness scores.
At Boise, Weaver displayed great first-step quickness in his pass rushes and showed the ability to out-leveraging offensive linemen. Hand usage is the one area that already looks pro-ready for Weaver. At 6-2 and 265 pounds, Weaver isn’t the lengthiest edge rusher, but he passes the height and weight thresholds for Kansas City. I expect that Steve Spagnuolo would like Weaver for his NASCAR packages.
Round 3: Tennessee DE Darrell Taylor
Taylor is a dynamic and explosive player. At 6-4 and 267 pounds, he’s one of the biggest among the edge rushers in this draft class. He didn’t take part in any of the drills at the combine as he recovered from an injury, but his athleticism jumps off the tape.
He played in 13 games during his senior season with the Volunteers, and he did so with a stress fracture in his shin. His numbers didn’t take a hit at all despite the injury, with 46 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2019.
Taylor is one of the players who met with the Chiefs formally at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. I could see Brett Veach and Steve Spagnuolo fall in love with Taylor’s unique blend of speed and power.
Round 4: Syracuse DE Alton Robinson
Robinson had a productive career at Syracuse, accumulating 115 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, five passes batted and five forced fumbles during his career. At 6-3 and 264 pounds, he has a good combination of size and quickness that gives tackles fits.
A participant in the 2020 Senior Bowl, Robinson saw his stock jump after the all-star game. During the week of practice, Robinson had some good repetitions. During the game, he was practically unblockable, notching two sacks, multiple pressures and a forced hold.
As good as he is against the pass, one thing that really impresses me with Robinson is how disciplined he plays against the run. That’s a really appealing quality for a young edge rusher and something that will likely attract a team like the Chiefs.
Round 5: Tulsa DE Trevis Gipson
Gipson is a raw, yet toolsy edger rusher whose best football is still ahead of him. At 6-4 and 268 pounds he has a great frame and he can still add more good weight to it. He’s seen tremendous growth as an edge rusher from his junior season to his senior season, doubling his sacks and nearly doubling his tackles for loss.
I get excited about Gipson’s first step and bend. He’s a natural getting out of his stance and after the football. His athleticism really pops off the tape too, especially when he’s playing special teams. His brother was a forward at Kansas State and currently plays basketball overseas, so it runs in the family.
If the Chiefs go the developmental route, I think Gipson is a guy they can bring in, but it’ll probably be a year before he’s ready to contribute.
Round 6: Illinois DE Oluwole Betiku Jr.
Betiku Jr. played at USC early in his career as a reserve but suffered a hip injury in 2018. He was a graduate transfer to Illinois where he jumped onto the scene for the Fighting Illini. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and seven quarterback hurries on the season. All of that production came despite missing three full games with an ankle injury.
At first, I was convinced that Betiku Jr. wouldn’t be drafted. Upwards of 40 non-combine prospects typically are drafted, but the coronavirus shutdowns will probably have that number much smaller in 2020. Given the situation and that he was one of the few players to have a proper Pro Day, I have a feeling that teams might be willing to take a chance on him in the late rounds. The Chiefs were present for the Illinois Pro Day, so count them among the teams who could be interested.
Round 7: North Dakota State DE Derrek Tuszka
Tuszka is one of the defenders behind the North Dakota State Bison’s recent wave of success. He’s not the bendiest or most athletic edge rusher out there, but this guy is the definition of a football player. He has a no-quit motor and a variety of moves that he utilizes to get after their quarterback.
Tuszka has definitely seen his stock rise during the pre-draft process. The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine and getting in front of teams was certainly important in that. I think the best thing he has going for him is the fact that teams are watching more tape. Over the past three seasons at NDSU, he’s amassed 40.5 tackles for loss and 28.5 sacks. His story is told on the tape and that could really help him get drafted.
