These nine post-Combine mock drafts show little consensus about who Chiefs might pick
The NFL Draft isn’t for another 48 days, but one thing is certain: there will be many, many mock drafts between now and April 23.
When the NFL Combine wrapped up, a number of national NFL observers took a crack at how the draft might go. Because the Chiefs are the Super Bowl champions*, they will make the final pick of the draft’s opening day in Las Vegas.
*Does it ever get old hearing that?
Here are nine mock drafts and who these writers believe (at this point), the Chiefs will select with the No. 32 pick. Spoiler alert: there is little consensus about who might be coming to Kansas City.
Former ESPN NFL writer John Clayton made his draft for the Washington Post and sees the Chiefs taking Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. Here is part of what Clayton wrote: “Swift would add versatility and explosiveness to their backfield.”
Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network had Ross Blacklock, a defensive tackle from TCU, as being the Chiefs’ choice. He wrote: “Blacklock would wreak havoc next to the franchise-tagged Chris Jones.”
NBC Sports/Rotoworld writer Josh Norris had the Chiefs picking LSU cornerback Krisitan Fulton.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports projected the first three rounds and had Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall coming to the Chiefs at No. 32. Here is part of what he wrote: “The offensive line and cornerback units should be addressed. Hall is the best available in the latter category.” You can see the other picks here.
Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa was the Chiefs’ pick by Danny Kelly of The Ringer. He wrote in part: “Power-based defensive lineman with heavy hands and an NFL-ready frame; immovable on the edge and has the size and strength to rush inside on passing downs.”
Kevin Hanson’s mock for Sports Illustrated predicted the Chiefs would select TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney. This is a portion of what Hanson wrote: “Several of the Chiefs’ cornerbacks — Kendall Fuller, Morris Claiborne, Bashaud Breeland and Keith Reaser — are set to hit free agency. While he’s not the biggest corner (5’ 10”, 191 pounds), Gladney’s physicality and speed allow him to play bigger.”
Swift, the Georgia star, is also the pick by the NFL Network’s Chad Reuter. He wrote: “I don’t even want to think about how good the Chiefs’ offense will be with Swift in the fold.” Reuter had picks for the first three rounds, which you can see here.
The Chiefs would take TCU’s Gladney, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller. Here is an excerpt of what Miller wrote: “Jeff Gladney measures just over 5’10” but plays much bigger, especially in press coverage and when taking on ball-carriers in the run game. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants physicality at the position, and Gladney is a perfect fit for the scheme and a value at No. 32 overall.”
ESPN’s Todd McShay’s mock draft shows the Chiefs taking Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. You can read what McShay wrote if you have an ESPN+ subscription.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 11:38 AM.
