Readers’ Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs 5th Round Pick

Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive line and Florida Gators defensive line line up at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The votes are in and it is now time to announce the Readers’ fourth round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the 124th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Readers’ of Arrowhead Addict select Ja’Wuan James, an offensive lineman from Tennessee.

James beat out closest contenders Aaron Murray and Dri Archer for the right to be selected in the fourth round. It is probably a wise decision to go offensive line here because of the Chiefs’ needs for depth. If Donald Stephenson falters at right tackle, James is a strong candidate to step in a fill the job adequately. One wonders also if there is a chance James could be moved inside.

The Readers’ mock draft class now stands as follows:

1st Round: S Calvin Pryor

3rd Round: WR Donte Moncrief

4th Round: Ja’Waun James

Strong start for the Chiefs, who now have three picks remaining. So let us get started with selecting the Chiefs’ fifth round pick.

OT SEANTREL HENDERSON

Kansas City just selected a tackle in the fourth round but the Chiefs probably need two offensive linemen in this draft. With James in the fold, Henderson would be a worthy boom/bust pick in the fifth round.

There are probably few other tackles in this draft more physically gifted than Henderson, but there are several character red flags that go with him. Does Andy Reid see enough value in taking him on? Because if Henderson hits, he may be a perennial All-Pro offensive lineman.

OG GABE IKARD

Ikard does not have the ceiling of Henderson, but he could be a strong guard for the Chiefs for the next few years. He’s not going to be a Pro Bowl kind of player, but he can be solid and a consistent starter at guard. At worst, he’s a very valuable backup center.

WR RYAN GRANT

Reid likes to spread the ball around which would seem to indicate that depth and balance at wide receiver should be a high priority for the Chiefs. Grant, who went to college at Tulane, is very quick in space and had good size at 6-0, 200 pounds. He needs to get stronger, but he’s the kind of guy who can come in and contribute immediately in a secondary role. Ran a 4.53 40 at his pro day and a 6.68 three-cone at the NFL Combine.

RB/WR DE’ANTHONY THOMAS

Thomas is small and can only be used in limit snaps, but those limited snaps could equal big plays. Thomas ran a 4.43 and a 4.39 at the combine and his pro day respectively. He made several big plays for Oregon on both offense and in special teams. He would be a massive weapon for Dave Toub and his special teams units.

Thomas’ flexibility to be used as a wide receiver, running back, and return man may make him very appealing to the Chiefs. This is key as he measures as only 5-9, 174 pounds.

FS JONATHAN DOWLING

A rangy, finesse free safety with good speed, Dowling could provide excellent depth to a secondary that could desperately use it. He’s noted for his playmaking abilities at Western Kentucky, where he had nine interceptions and eight forced fumbles in the last two seasons.

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