Kansas City Chiefs: Post-Combine Stock Report For Potential 1st-Round Picks
Options For KC In The First Round
Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive linemen Andrus Peat runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve covered who, coming out of the combine, may not be options for KC, but now let’s look at who could be (assuming they stay put at their current slot). Keep in mind: These aren’t necessarily my recommendations for whom KC should pick, but which players will likely be the best available at positions of need for the Chiefs. Also keep in mind that I’ve left defensive backs out of this discussion since they had yet to perform.
Jaelen Strong – WR – Arizona State
There is a clear drop-off at WR after the “Big Three” mentioned before, but Jaelen Strong may be the next one off the board. He has all the physical traits needed to be a true No. 1 WR, but he is extremely raw. At 6’2″, 217 lbs, his 4.44 40 time and freakish 42″ vertical show his physical gifts, but I have concerns about his ability to grasp an Andy Reid offense (at least early on in his career).
Dorial Green-Beckham – WR – Missouri/Oklahoma
The other WR who has the potential to be a true No. 1—and will be available when the Chiefs pick—is Dorial Green-Beckham. His story is well known at this point, and the bottom line is that the risks that come with him are as big as his talent. The 6’5″ and 237 lbs Green-Beckham ran a 4.49 40, but his 33.5″ vertical was a little bit of a disappointment.
Ereck Flowers – OT – Miami
All of the offensive tackles who are likely to be available when KC picks come with high upside but serious questions. Ereck Flowers is probably my favorite of the three listed here. I’m on record as wanting to build an offensive line that can overpower opponents at the point of attack, and at 6’6″ and 329 lbs, with a combine-best (for the OL) 37 bench press reps, Flowers certainly fits that mold. However, he has SERIOUS technique flaws, and his kick slide in drills this weekend was one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. Seriously, it looked like he had one leg stuck in quicksand—it was that bad.
T.J. Clemmings – OT – Pittsburgh
T.J. Clemmings may have the highest ceiling of all the OT prospects this year. He’s a former basketball player who started on the defensive line and has only been playing offensive line for two seasons. While Clemmings may have great physical tools, he’s no sure thing, and while he certainly looked athletic this weekend, his lack of experience was evident as well. I think there is a legit possibility that he may need a “redshirt” season in the NFL just to work on learning the position. The bottom line here would be how much faith the Chiefs have in their coaching staff to get Clemmings to live up to his potential.
Andrus Peat – OT – Stanford
Andrus Peat is certainly projected to be drafted in the range that KC is picking and plays a position of need. I’m just not a fan. For me, the sum of Peat’s parts isn’t as impressive as it should be. What I mean by that is that Peat may have the size (6’7″, 313 lbs) and other physical traits that you look for, but when I watch him play, I just don’t see him getting the most out of those tools. I might even go so far as to call Peat a little “soft.” While he’s an option that KC will likely look at, I’m hoping they pass.
Eric Kendricks – LB – UCLA
Eric Kendricks may just be the best all-around player available when KC first picks. The problem isn’t Kendricks, who showed off the speed and athleticism that you saw on tape; the problem is the position that he plays. In today’s NFL, is a non-pass-rushing LB (especially one who is just 6’0″ and 232 lbs) worthy of a first-round pick? Kendricks could play next to DJ for now and replace him in the long run. Best of all, he’s capable of staying on the field for all three downs due to his coverage abilities.
Shaq Thompson – LB/S – Washington
Shaq Thompson is definitely a physical talent, but the problem becomes where to play him. After playing running back and linebacker at Washington, Thompson has said he strictly wants to play LB in the NFL. However, many “experts” are speculating that he may be best suited at safety. So despite his indisputable talents, do the Chiefs really want to use their first-round pick on a player who may not have a true position or is more of a project than an impact player?
So as you can see, there are a lot of talented players who may be available when the Chiefs make their first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it appears that there is at least a little risk (or at very least, some questions) that come along with these prospects as well. So do the Chiefs simply take the top player on their board regardless of position?Since they have so many picks, do they consider trading up in order to get one of the more elite talents? Are there any of these prospects whom you really like? Was there someone who caught your eye at the combine this past week?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!
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