Kansas City Chiefs: The Inside Linebacker Draft Prospects

Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Taiwan Jones (34) looks over Nebraska Cornhuskers offense during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Mid To Late Round ILB Prospects

I don’t see any ILB prospects that KC could draft in the mid to late rounds that will ever likely excel in both of the areas of need that KC has. However, there are some options that could fill one or the other. First, let’s look at some prospects that could play the “thumper” role on the inside of the base 3-4 defense.

Run Stoppers

Taiwan Jones – Michigan State – 6’3″ 245 lbs

Of all the mid to late round ILB prospects, Taiwan Jones is probably my favorite. He’s a force in the run game and has a nasty/physical style that you want at that position. He’s exclusively a two down LB though and will never be a guy you’d play in the sub package (he even came off the field on passing downs in college). The guy would be a terror on special teams and with a little coaching and better feel for the game could become a top run stopper.

Jeff Luc – Cincinnati – 6’1″ 256 lbs

Jeff Luc of Cincinnati would be a guy that might be worth taking a late round flier on. The Florida State transfer is another two down run specialist that has some “thump” to his game. The guy is good in a phone booth, but his agility leaves something to be desired.

Coverage Options

Hayes Pullard – USC – 6’0″ 240 lbs

Hayes Pullard isn’t a LB that just jumps off the screen when watching him. He doesn’t play very physical but he is a patient LB that does a good job of maintaining his assignment. If KC were to take a LB in the mid rounds with the idea of playing them exclusively in the sub package, Pullard would probably be my pick. While not fantastic in coverage, he did finish his college career with 20 pass deflections.

Ben Heeney – Kansas – 6’0″ 231 lbs

Last but not least is local product Ben Heeney from Kansas. While some scouts question if he really has what it takes physically to hang in the NFL, his combine results showed really impressive athleticism to go along with his non stop motor on the field. While I wouldn’t want him lining up next to DJ (he could be a possible replacement for him if he pans out) his speed and athleticism do show that with good coaching he may be able to be a factor in the sub package. If nothing else the guy would be another monster special teams player.

So there you have it Addicts, some ILB prospects to keep your eyes on as the draft approaches. While you are welcome to take my word for it I encourage you to watch some of these guys for yourself. I NEVER would have jumped on the Stephone Anthony bandwagon if I hadn’t taken the time to watch the game film. So who would you like to see KC draft at ILB? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!