The Chiefs currently have four quarterbacks on the roster, including the NFL’s 2018 MVP, Patrick Mahomes. There appears to be little reason for the team to add another QB. However, Mahomes might be the exact reason the Chiefs opt to upgrade one of the other QB spots.
QB’s are currency in the NFL, and teams are going to be interested in players that learn from Mahomes and played behind him. So maybe the idea that the Chiefs could upgrade the spots behind Mahomes isn’t something we should rule out just yet. It could prove valuable to develop an asset for a future trade.
Here’s a look at some of the pieces they could consider adding in each round of the 2019 NFL draft:
Round 1: None
No need to kid ourselves with this one. A quarterback at pick No. 29 would be a colossal waste for the Chiefs. They’ve got a franchise quarterback and they’ll ride with him for the next decade plus if everything goes according to plan.
Continue …
Round 2: Tyree Jackson, Buffalo
The most live arm in the entire draft belongs to Jackson. He’s got an absolute cannon for an arm and along with it comes pinpoint deep ball accuracy. At 6 feet 7, he earns bonus points for his size. His size and athleticism draw comparisons to Cam Newton, though he’s not as refined as a runner or athlete.
The biggest knock against Jackson is that he’s raw. He needs some work on shortening his throwing motion, and he needs practice on his short and intermediate accuracy.
In my humble opinion, if Jackson goes to the right situation, he has the potential to become the top QB in this class.
Continue …
Round 3: Brett Rypien, Boise State
The ball placement award for the 2019 QB class goes to Rypien. He can fit a football in the smallest window with the best ball speed in this class, and he can put it where only his receiver has a chance at it. He’s also willing to hang in a collapsing pocket and deliver a strike. Making throws under pressure is one thing that translates to the NFL.
Rypien is also one of the most cerebral in this QB group because he’s been around the game his entire life. He’s the son of former Redskins Super Bowl champion QB Mark Rypien. It shows up often during his pocket presence and situational awareness. You just know that he’s been coached by a true professional.
Rypien will need refinement in the NFL and could be a good candidate to develop behind Mahomes.
Continue …
Round 4: Jordan Ta’amu, Mississippi
Jordan Ta’amu has an interesting skill set that NFL teams will want to develop. One thing I like about his game is his elusiveness. He’s good at avoiding pressure and finding the room to set up and throw. He’s capable of throwing from different arm slots, and there are a few passes on his tape that are reminiscent of the things that Mahomes is able to do.
The problem with Ta’amu is that he only has one full season of starting experience. NFL teams are going to question whether his production is born of the talent around him in the Ole Miss offense and whether he can replicate it in the NFL.
Despite the questions, this is a quarterback that’d I’d want on my team working behind an ascending player like Mahomes.
Continue …
Round 5: Eric Dungey, Syracuse
Dungey has prototypical NFL size, and he’s a tremendous athlete. He amassed over 11,000 scrimmage yards as a starter for Syracuse, which puts him in rare company among ACC quarterbacks. The amazing thing is that he did so all while facing injury in each of his first three seasons at Syracuse.
Dungey has a long way to develop as an NFL passer, though he refined his footwork to become more efficient ahead of his pro day. It’s clear that Dungey’s biggest asset heading into the NFL is as a runner.
If a team like the Chiefs can develop Dungey as a passer, he could be worth a shot in the late rounds.
Continue …
Round 6: Taryn Christion, South Dakota State
There’s a handful of intriguing sleeper quarterbacks in this draft, and Christion is one. He’s listed at just under 6-2 and 225 pounds. He’s still developing as a passer despite putting up great numbers for the Jackrabbits.
At his pro day he ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, which shows that he can be a threat on the ground with his legs. He’s got a great feel for the pocket and throwing on the run. He’s also been a standout academic during his college career.
There’s certainly something worth developing in Christion at the next level, and I wouldn’t hate the idea of the Chiefs using one of their two sixth-round picks on him.
Continue …
Round 7: T.J. Linta, Wagner
It may seem rather archaic, but Linta is turning heads in NFL circles partly because of his Wonderlic testing. He also had a great week of practice leading up to the Tropical Bowl all-star game, and a solid performance during the game.
Linta is an extremely heady quarterback, and it shows on the game tape. His footwork is efficient, his arm is strong and he doesn’t throw many interceptions. He has ideal size at 6-4 and 230 pounds.
The biggest question about Linta is whether his experience in the FCS will translate to the NFL. He doesn’t exactly have the greatest production against those considered a lesser talent. This late in the draft, he just might be worth a flier.
Continue …
Honorable mention late-rounders/UDFAs: Trace McSorley (Penn State), Andrew Ford (UMass) and Jacob Dolegala (Central Connecticut)
Potential Chiefs prospects
Quarterbacks
Running backs (Coming soon)
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles (Coming soon)
Guards (Coming soon)
Centers (Coming soon)
Defensive tackles (Coming soon)
Defensive ends (Coming soon)
Linebackers (Coming soon)
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Go back …
