Chiefs Draft Prospects: Marcus Gilchrist
The National Football Post is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs held a private visit with Clemson CB Marcus Gilchrist yesterday.
Gilchrist is 5-10, weighs in at 195 and ran a 4.45 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Draft Scout has him listed as the 12th best CB in the draft and they are currently projecting him to go in the 3rd round.
Let’s take a closer look at Gilchrist after the jump.
One of the things most teams seem to like about Gilchrist is his versatility. He can play both the corner and the safety position. He also sports some return skills and according to the National Football Post article, one Gm regards him as “one of the smartest DB’s he has been around.”
I read up on some scouting reports on Gilchrist. The general consensus seems to be that he is a solid, all around player but that he may not be particularly spectacular in any one area.
If there is an area of his game that stands out to scouts it appears to be his tackling ability. He played SS and CB in college and seems to excel against the run. Despite not being overly large, he displays good fundamental tackling and seems to have strong frame that holds up. He has had no injury issues in college.
The knocks on Gilchrist is that he just isn’t that big of a playmaker. He displays poor footwork at times and this can get him into trouble when he is in man coverage. He also displays stiff hips and average coverage instincts. It seems he will be more suited for zone coverages in the NFL and that he will probably be a better safety than a corner at first.
While it may seem the Chiefs are deep at CB with Brandon Flowers, Javier Arenas and Brandon Carr, the cupboard is pretty much bare after that. There also isn’t a lot of depth behind Kendrick Lewis and Eric Berry at the safety position. Drafting a guy like Gilchrist would be a shrewd move to provide depth at a number of positions. Much like Jon Asamoah can play guard, center and possibly tackle if needed, a guy like Gilchrist would be able to serve as depth at safety and corner should the Chiefs have to deal with injuries at those areas.
The Chiefs are improving to the point now where they need to start adding depth in the draft and some of that depth may start being added around the 3rd round. If the Chiefs don’t feel there are any starters available when they pick in round three then Gilchrist could be a good pick.
Personally I think the Chiefs should work hard to try to squeeze at least three starters out of this draft. If they can come away with a #2 WR, a starting NT and a starting center I will be absolutely thrilled. After that, they can draft whatever position they want as far as I am concerned.
What do you think Addicts? Is taking a guy like Gilchrist the right move in the 3rd round or should the Chiefs look elsewhere and try for depth in the later rounds?
Check out more Chiefs Draft Prospects and a full list of visits and workouts on our Chiefs Draft Interests page.