A Draft Recipe For The Chefs (Part 2)

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Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Last week we took a look at my ideas for the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Follow the jump and get yourself up to speed if you missed that article. If you’ve already read it, let’s continue on with the last four rounds.

Which players can help the Kansas City Chiefs in the back half of the draft?

Fourth Round

1. Tony Jefferson, FS, Oklahoma

If the former Sooner were a few inches taller, there’s a good chance he’d be a Day 1 draft pick. Jefferson is a shade under six feet tall and that will prove to be problematic for some teams with a need at safety. Jefferson is a physical safety with above-average ball skills. He’s got good instincts, is an asset in coverage, and can also contribute on special teams.

2. Marquise Goodwin, WR/KR, Texas

Goodwin is one of the fastest players in this year’s draft class. Back in March, he ran a sub-4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s an extraordinary athlete, but he’s still developing as a wide receiver. Goodwin’s route running leaves a lot to be desired, but if he can be molded into an NFL receiver, he’ll be dangerous. Goodwin’s straight-line speed also makes him a threat on special teams.

3. Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina

Reddick is the kind of disciplined thumper the Chiefs could use in the middle of their defense. His instincts and awareness coupled with solid athleticism make him a force in run support. He’s not great in pass coverage, but can cover well in a small area. Reddick’s four years as a starter in North Carolina make him a polished prospect.

Fifth Round

1. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

I’ve expressed my disdain for Landry Jones all offseason, but if he’s available here, the Chiefs should take him. Jones has the prototypical size and arm strength you want in an NFL quarterback, but that’s about where it ends. He’s a younger version of Matt Cassel, with a slightly higher ceiling. Jones has trouble with his reads and with decision making in the pocket. He also lacks poise when under pressure. Jones isn’t much of a gamble as an R5 pick though and could develop with Reid mentoring him.

2. Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

Kasa is a converted defensive end now playing the tight end position. He’s still green though, as he’s only had one full season in that role (2012). Despite a college career mostly on the defensive side of the ball, Kasa has natural pass-catching ability. He’ll need help with his route running, but with his size and speed, he can develop into a good NFL tight end.

3. Spencer Ware, RB, LSU

Peyton Hillis was a disappointment in his role as Jamaal Charles’ back up last year. When he wasn’t injured, he was ineffective. The Chiefs have two young backs in Cyrus Gray and Shaun Draughn, but both of them are right around 200 pounds. Kansas City could use a bigger back for short yardarge/goalline situations. Spencer Ware is that back, both in stature and in his running style. He’s big, physical, thrives on contact and has the ability to break arm tackles. Ware has limited speed, but he’s a downhill runner who will earn tough yardage between the tackles.

Sixth Round (A)

1. Ty Powell, OLB, Harding

Defensive end Tyanthony Powell is well on his way to being the first player drafted from Harding in 30 years. His work at the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and Harding’s Pro Day has been turning heads and he could go one full round earlier than I expect him to. Powell’s not big enough to play defensive end in the NFL, but he’ll be able to effectively make the switch to outside linebacker. He’s one of the more intriguing Division-II prospects and would serve the Chiefs well in a rotational role at OLB.

2. J.C. Tretter, OG, Cornell

Tretter’s is just the low-risk, high-reward offensive lineman you want at this point in the draft. He’s a very athletic football player who moves well despite his size. Tretter isn’t particularly long so he’ll have to move inside in the NFL, but his flexibility and coordination are impressive. He needs all the help he can get from an NFL strength program. If he can get stronger at the point, he’ll have a chance to be a long-term interior lineman in this league.

3. Emmett Cleary, OT, Boston College

The Chiefs have all kinds of questions along their offensive line. There’s not much in the cupboard where starters or depth is concerned. The departure of Ryan Lilja and Eric Winston creates a need for new faces up front. Cleary is a mountainous offensive tackle who can provide some quality depth for Kansas City. Cleary’s a big man, but there are still concerns about his ability to handle bullrushes in the NFL. He’ll win most hand fights, but he’s susceptible to giving up the edge and/or being overpowered.

Sixth Round (B)

1.  John Boyett, FS, Oregon

Boyett is an intriguing defensiveback who should be available in the bottom half of Round 6. If not for concerns about his height (he’s just 5’10”) and injuries to both knees, he’d probably be drafted much higher. As a football player, Boyett’s a playmaker. He has good ball skills, tackles well in space, and is a defender with above-average anticipation. He’s not the physical specimen that most teams will want at safety, but he plays the position well.

2. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Jon Baldwin is likely down to his last chance to prove himself as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Donnie Avery may or may not be over the injury bug, so the Chiefs would be wise to consider Wilson here. Marquess Wilson’s game bears a striking resemblance to #89. He’s a shorter, leaner version of Baldwin, but he’s similarly problematic in jumpball situations. Wilson has great body control and can adjust well to the ball in the air. He doesn’t have great speed, but he’s a long-legged wide receiver who quickly covers a lot of ground.

3. Bruce Taylor, ILB, Virginia Tech

Taylor has all of the requisite skills you want in a 3-4 inside linebacker, but the Lisfranc injury Taylor sustained in 2011 may have permanently lowered his ceiling. Being instinctive and having great recognition makes Taylor trouble for an opposing team’s run game; however, Taylor isn’t going to impress anyone when he has to drop back. The foot injury may have cost him some speed and that further complicates his ability to keep up in coverage. A lack of closing speed will make him a target in the NFL.

Seventh Round

1. Jeff Baca, OG, UCLA

The former Bruins left tackle has little chance of staying on the outside in the NFL, but he’s one of the nastiest offensive linemen in this class. Jeff Baca is fierce both as a run blocker and in pass protection. Baca’s a contact initiator and typically gets into his man quickly. He’s also active and will always look for someone else to block once he’s handled his initial assignment. Baca’s not quite as strong as his size would indicate, but with time to build strength, he can be a force on the inside.

2. Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook

Maysonet will be a steal if he’s still on the board this late in the draft. The 5’10”, 205 pound runningback had eye-popping production in his three years at Stony Brook. Over that span he amassed over 4,600 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns. He could very well be the Alfred Morris of the 2013 NFL Draft. Maysonet is a smart, determined runner who is always looking for additional yardage after intial contact. In the right situation, Maysonet can be an immediate contributor.

3. Manase Foketi, OT, West Texas A&M

The Polynesian offensive tackle out of West Texas A&M had a peculiar college career, but he finished strong. Foketi had stints at both Mt. San Antonio College and Kansas State before ending his career as a Buffalo. Foketi’s a rare blend of great size and athleticism. He’s a big man with the ability to slide his feet quickly, though probably not quick enough to stay at tackle in the league. Foketi is likely to be moved inside where his aggression will serve him and the lack of lateral mobility won’t be as big an issue.

We’re a scant three weeks away from meeting the Chiefs’ 2013 draft class, but we can have a little watercooler fun until then. Here’s your chance to finish up your AA mock draft. Use the comment section below to post your own ideas. I welcome your thoughts whether you agree with these two articles or not. Just be sure to have fun with this.

Until next time, Addicts!