Despite the emergence of PATRICK MAHOMES as an elite talent and franchise QB, it was an uneasy off-season for the CHIEFS. Salary Cap issues raised their ugly head, and the team made some major moves to reel in the dollars battle by trading and/or releasing multiple big name players, like JUSTIN HOUSTON and DEE FORD. The team also jettisoned star RB KAREEM HUNT after more off-field issues surfaced. TYREEK HILL is currently prohibited from any direct contact with the team, with an ugly case involving child abuse still under police investigation. The good news is that the team has reloaded with some decent additions through the Draft itself, and some smart URFA signings.
For those with a short memory, please recall that the team was minus a First Rounder because they acquired DE FRANK CLARK from the SEAHAWKS to bolster their pass-rush prior to the Draft.
Round 2, Pick 56
MECOLE HARDMAN WR/RS GEORGIA
5’10/187 4.31/40 PP#99
It seems to me that the likelihood of TYREEK HILL being in a CHIEFS uniform in 2019 are less than 50/50. Given that KAREEM HUNT is already gone, the team faces the challenge of replacing their two most explosive offensive weapons, this side of Mr. MAHOMES. Without throwing the burden of replacing TYREEK on HARDMAN right away, let’s at least admit that he is almost as fast and quick as HILL. He shared time with lots of talented guys in the WR room at UGA. He primarily demonstrated his explosiveness in his return work for the BULLDOGS. My guess is that he will have the biggest initial impact in 2019 in the return game, as he develops some sophistication in his route running. MAHOMES should bring out the best in him as a pro. For what they need and were looking for, I believe this is a good value, in a special need situation for the CHIEFS. With hard work on HARDMAN’s part, and tutoring from Receivers Coach GREG LEWIS, MECOLE could develop into a game breaking star.
Round 2, Pick 63
JUAN THORNHILL S VIRGINIA
6’0/205 4.44/40 PP#42
The CHIEFS also have major rebuild work to do in their secondary. Signing VFA TYRANN MATHIEU was a solid attempt to replace perennial Pro Bowler ERIC BERRY at one of the Safety slots. Drafting THORNHILL was another major roster upgrade as well. The former DC for the CAVALIERS had himself an exceptional first season as a S in 2018. He has the athleticism of a DC, combined with size and speed for a S role. In fact, he could likely play whatever position they need him to in their secondary. Also, 7-year vet MATHIEU should be a great mentor for THORNHILL. To give you an idea of how talented THORNHILL is, here are his 2018 stats; 98 T’s, 7 PBU’s, and 6 INT’s. Of the 24 S’s who participated at the Combine, OURLADS Scouting Services had THORNHILL ranked as the No. 2 athlete, out of the 24 prospects in that position group. Pencil him in as an off-season acquisition to fill another starting position for the team.
Round 3, Pick 84
KHALEN SAUNDERS DT WESTERN ILLINOIS
6’0/324 5.03/40 PP#72
I feel comfortable in saying that during Senior Bowl week, this small school player won over lot of scouts and personnel people in Mobile. He worked hard, and held up well against FBS level OL. He was also a great interview, and showed himself to have a multi-faceted personality. My guess is that he will be good in the locker room, and have a serious fan club of CHIEFS supporters. He also has the strength and athleticism to likely make a good DT partner for CHRIS JONES in the CHIEFS new 4-3 base scheme. He dominated at the lower level of competition with 72 Tackles last season, which included 13 TFL, and 6.5 Sacks. He will likely get into even better playing shape with an NFL Weight Room and nutrition plan working with him. Solid Pick here, on a solid looking DL position group heading into Training Camp.
Round 6, Pick 201
RASHAD FENTON DC SOUTH CAROLINA
5’11/195 4.52/40 PP#NR
This is the only selection that I question. I just thought he was not much more than another “guy” in the GAMECOCKS secondary. He’s not real physical, and his lack of speed will likely make him vulnerable in deep coverage. As you can see in my PP ranking above, I did not have him ranked as a Top 300 prospect. With the need for at least 10 DB’s in today’s NFL, he has a chance to stick. However, unless he picks up his intensity and concentration, he might end up on their Practice Squad. Perhaps someone in the CHIEFS Draft crew saw something they really liked, and pounded the table for him.
Round 6, Pick 214
DARWIN THOMPSON RB UTAH STATE
5’8/198 4.50/40 PP#293
He was generally underrated, coming out of the 2018 season, despite rushing for over 1,000 yards in his only season for UTAH STATE. He was one of the top JC RB’s coming to the FBS level, after an excellent 2017 season. Also, he demonstrated solid receiving skills coming out of the backfield, with 23 catches at 15.3 ypc last season. He was not invited to the Combine, but had a solid Pro Day. Remember, the CHIEFS are rebuilding their RB corps, and this short, but solidly built, player looks like he could fit in, especially as a receiver for Mr. MAHOMES. More and more scouts threw out praise for him as the off-season progressed. He could earn significant touches as a Rookie.
Round 7, Pick 216
NICK ALLEGRETTI OC ILLINOIS
6’4/310 5.25/40 PP#242
Nothing special here, but then again it’s Round 7, and he certainly looks good enough to provide back-up depth along the Interior OL. He was at the Shrine venue and showed well against a solid group of DL candidates, the majority of whom were drafted. At ILLINOIS, he was a 3-year starter and a 2-time Captain. His size numbers are adequate for Interior work with 32″ arms and 9 7/8″ hands. He does a nice job staying low, with good knee bend. By doing so, he uses his strength and powerful hand punch to good advantage. Not sure that he ever wins an outright starting job in the NFL, but he could be around for a while as a back-up and spot starter. Nice value for Round 7.
Upon further review, I see this as being a solid talent haul, especially when you throw CLARK into the mix to replace DEE FORD as an edge rusher. I see their first 3 Picks as being potential starters, perhaps sooner rather than later, with THOMPSON and ALLEGRETTI having roster value late. Nice job guys. And they landed some solid URFA’s to provide Camp competition.
Pigskin
