Mock Draft: CBS’ Pat Kirwan Goes Defensive Line For Chiefs

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman

(7) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday we received a mock draft from Sports Illustrated that had the Chiefs going with an offensive lineman, to the chagrin of some. Today, CBS says the Chiefs will focus on the line of scrimmage but it won’t be on the offensive side of the ball.

According to Pat Kirwan, the Kansas City Chiefs will use their 23rd overall selection on Stephon Tuitt, a defensive lineman from Notre Dame. Here’s his analysis.

"The Chiefs lost Tyson Jackson in free agency and Tuitt brings a lot to the table. He has more versatility than his teammate Louis Nix. Tuitt could be more disruptive in a pass rush than Jackson was for the Chiefs."

There a few things to mention here.

First, this mock draft included mock draft day trades, which is notable because he does not have the Chiefs trading down. The Chiefs could definitely use some extra picks but trading down is much easier said than done. It should be noted, however, Kirwan has Teddy Bridgewater dropping to 32 overall, so there could be a team willing to trade up to 23 to land a quarterback.

Second, this is one of the first mocks in a while that has the Chiefs going with Tuitt. There are some health concerns with Tuitt in pre-draft evaluations but those maybe wearing off a bit. Tuitt would be a good fit as an edge pass rusher on the defensive line, something Kansas City desperately needs.

Third, Odell Beckham, Kelvin Benjamin, and Marqise Lee were all on the board when the Chiefs pick rolled around. How upset would you be if the Chiefs passed on a top wide receiver at 23?