Linebacker could be a big need for the Chiefs during the 2019 NFL draft.
In just a seasons time the Chiefs have two projected starters who will be free agents, and another with an out year in his contract. Additionally, with a change to a 4-3 scheme, the Chiefs may be looking for linebackers with a different skill set.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach seems to believe that the linebacker class is thin. If the Chiefs are looking for help at this position, they might have to target players early on in the draft.
Here are players the Chiefs could look at in each round of the draft:
Round 1: Devin Bush, Michigan
Bush is widely regarded as one of the top linebackers in the 2019 NFL draft class. It’s between him and LSU’s Devin White for the top draft slot for an off-the-ball LB.
Teams looking for a new age LB are going to fall in love with Bush. He’s lightning quick, as demonstrated by his 1.50 second 10-yard split at the NFL Scouting Combine. He can run, cover, hit and is absolutely relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier. At Michigan he became a team captain during his final season, and he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The one knock on Bush is that he’s undersized for what the NFL likes at the position. There’s some fear that Bush won’t be able to rely as much on his quickness against NFL blocking schemes, and that he’ll have a hard time disengaging from blocks.
If the Chiefs are interested in this player, they might need to move up in order to ensure they’ll be able to select him. There’s quite a bit of interest in Bush throughout the league.
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Round 2: Blake Cashman, Minnesota
Cashman is a linebacker that hasn’t received enough attention in the pre-draft process, but he’s a blast to watch on film.
No one in this class plays with more effort than Cashman. You don’t get 20 tackles in a single game, like he did against Northwestern in 2018, by giving minimal effort. Cashman can stand up blockers, defeat double teams and he hustles in pursuit. His technique is strong in just about every facet of his game. Though, I think initially he’ll find more success in the NFL as a run defender than he will in coverage.
On top of his great tape, Cashman went to the combine and proved that he was a better athlete than everyone expected him to be. He had top scores across the board, but I was quite impressed with his 40-yard dash time and vertical jump.
The LB class is lacking strong depth, so I certainly expect Cashman to be a player that comes off the board early.
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Round 3: Sione Takitaki, BYU
If there’s one linebacker that can solve all the Chiefs woes at the position, it’s Takitaki. He has perhaps the best positional versatility of any LB prospect in this class. His best fit might come at strong side linebacker, but he can play each of the LB spots in a 4-3. He also has experience playing a down lineman full time during his junior season at BYU, which is rather unique. I’ve previously likened his abilities to Dont’a Hightower, and I’m still sticking with that comparison.
Takitaki also had a strong combine performance, with some top scores across the board. Scores in his broad jump, 40-yard dash, and more project quite well to seeing success in the NFL.
He’s not the perfect prospect though, as he’s struggled with off-field issues during his time at BYU. He had to take an entire year off of football to get his life straightened out. He’s walked a better path since, but it’s certainly something to consider.
The Chiefs brought Takitaki in to Kansas City for a pre-draft visit. He also went to BYU, which is Andy Reid’s alma mater, so you know that he’ll get unique insight into the off-field problems that has occurred in Takitaki’s past.
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Round 4: Te’Von Coney, Notre Dame
Coney is one of the best downhill linebackers in this class. He’s exceptional as a tackler, which is something that the Chiefs struggled with on defense in 2018.
When it comes to staying disciplined meeting a runner in a rushing a lane, I’m not sure many linebackers can do better that Coney. He’s a guy who is going to cause a lot of stops in the run game at the next level. He’s got the strength to stop running backs in their tracks.
While Coney is good defending the run, he still has some developing to do in coverage. In his first two seasons as a starter at Notre Dame he didn’t have a single interception or pass defended. It wasn’t until his final season that he finally saw a little bit of production against the passing game. I have a feeling that he’s the type of player that coaches will feel confident they can develop there.
The Chiefs have some interest in Coney. They met with him down at the Senior Bowl.
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Round 5: Chase Hansen, Utah
Coverage is the name of the game with Hansen. As a former safety converting to linebacker for the NFL, the biggest strength of Hansen’s game is his ability to match in coverage. Yes, he does have the ability to play downhill, but he’s not quite as disciplined when playing a gap. He’s much more adept when making an open field tackle, which speaks to his background as a safety.
Hansen will be 26 during his rookie season, which presents a problem for some teams. With potential to be an impact player on special teams in year one and a key defender moving forward, I suspect his age won’t hurt his evaluations with the Chiefs.
Hansen also played with Chiefs defensive assistant Alex Whittingham at Utah. If the Chiefs wait until Day 3, familiarity could be what helps them pull the trigger.
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Round 6: Jordan Jones, Kentucky
Jones was among the top performers at the linebacker position at the NFL Scouting Combine. He looked good in the on-field drills, and he tested well in the short shuttle, bench press and broad jump.
As a sophomore Jones was among SEC leaders in total tackles and tackles for loss. His position coach during that time was Matt House, who is currently the Chiefs’ linebacker coach. Since that season Jones hasn’t quite been able to get back to the same type of production, House wasn’t his position coach, but his defensive coordinator during those two seasons.
At worst you’re getting a hyper-athletic special teams player in the sixth round. On the third day of the draft you’re not looking for immediate contributors, but guys who can play a specific role as depth.
Again this could be a scenario where familiarity with the Chiefs’ LB coach could drive a selection late in the draft.
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Round 7: Troy Reeder, Delaware
Reeder caught the eyes of scouts at the Delaware pro day, but he’s been on their radar since they began evaluating his teammate Nasir Adderley.
Often times Reeder looked like the top player on the Delaware defense. He commands his gap with good technique and eye discipline. He flows to the football well in pursuit, and he’s shown quite a bit of prowess in coverage. During his pro day, he impressed with good testing scores, showing off unique athleticism at the position.
It’s not clear if the Chiefs are interested, but I’m sure Brett Veach has done some homework on the players from his alma mater.
Honorable mention late-rounders/UDFAs: Joe Dineen Jr. (Kansas), Terez Hall (Missouri) and Kaden Elliss (Idaho)
Potential Chiefs prospects
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles (Coming soon)
Guards (Coming soon)
Centers
Defensive tackles
Defensive ends (Coming soon)
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
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