Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25) waves his arms to the crowd in the fourth quarter as theCardinals beat the Miami Hurricanes 36-9 to win the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Combine starts today, which means we are getting closer and closer to figuring out who the Kansas City Chiefs are going to select in the 2014 draft. For the next few days we are going to take a look at some of the guys who could play in to the Chiefs draft thoughts and therefore, should have your attention at the combine.
Today we’re going to take a look at some more secondary players who could be of interest to the Chiefs. Yesterday we looked at some guys who we know the Chiefs have met with already, so this time we are going to look at some defensive backs who we do not think have met with KC.
Most of these guys are safeties, a four of the players below are mid-to-late round picks who could fill different role. Outside of the first guy on this list, there really are not a lot of safety prospects who could start on week one. So whoever the Chiefs end up taking at safety – if they even take a safety – will probably be viewed as a project.
Let’s start with the guy who has the best shot at being a week one starter and move on to the projects.
1. Calvin Pryor (Safety)
School: Louisville
Watch to Watch: 40-time, Speed Turn Drill
2013 Stats: 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, fumble recovery, three quarterback hurries
Met with Chiefs: No
A favorite of AA’s Stacy Smith, Pryor could be a sleeper candidate for the Chiefs’ first round pick. And for those wanting the Chiefs to take a free safety in the draft, Pryor is the best candidate.
Listed at 6-2, 208 pounds, Pryor has the size the Chiefs will want from any of the defensive backs they acquire this offseason. Pryor uses his size to be very physical in the secondary, and is noted for big hits and strong tackling ability. He also uses this strength well in coverage against bigger receiving threats, something the Chiefs desperately need in the secondary.
The issue for the Chiefs here is Pryor may be too good and – most important – too well known after the combine to be available to the Chiefs at pick number 23. He’s expected to post excellent times in the 40 and other speed drills as well as dazzle in the position drills. A big combine probably means Pryor won’t be on the board for KC.
For now we can dream, and the dream of Pryor and Eric Berry as the two starting safeties is very pleasurable. (So fast!)