Chiefs Backdraft: Steals, Deals, Men With Wheels
By Laddie Morse
Who knows who the Chiefs will be selecting with their first pick in the draft much less the back half of the draft? I call it the “Backdraft.” Now, there are steals to be had there as well as excellent deals. Take into consideration the desire for speed the Chiefs brass is emphasizing and you’ll even find men with wheels there too if you look closely. Steals, deals and men with wheels… you’ll find it all in the Backdraft.
You may have heard me mention in an earlier post that I have now wandered into the land of true addiction from which there is no return… by reaching my 100th mock draft since February 1st. While I wish I was doing these prospect evaluations full time, the mock drafts have offered me a view into that later round talent pool which is often ignored… until Saturday, day three of draft day weekend. Each time I create another mock I make sure to explore another late round prospect giving me another little glimpse into the Hobbit realms usually reserved for John Dorsey’s minions.
So, let’s take a look at six unsexy picks… six of the lesser known talents in the 2015 draft,
AKA: The Backdraft.
TE #86 Nick Boyle, 6-4, 264, Delaware, projected rounds 4-6
I have said before that I wouldn’t touch any of the TEs in this draft with a ten foot pole. Well, I just so happen to possess an eleven foot pole (no rude comments).
In one split second I could tell that I liked Nick Boyle. Sometimes a play that a player makes is so outstanding that you can tell more than half of what you need to know in that one play. In this case it was one giant leap for mankind or, right over 6-1 Safety Anthony Jefferson from UCLA.
Boyle is not a speed demon by any means but it’s obvious that he has a level of athleticism required for the NFL. The plus side of Boyle is that he’s a very good blocker, Jordan Raanan for NJ.com reports,
"“This was Boyle’s chance to show everyone ‐ all at once ‐ that he was an NFL-caliber player deserving of a selection in this year’s draft…. On one play during Thursday’s practice, Boyle met blitzing linebacker Curtis Grant in the backfield. The cracking of the pads echoed throughout Ladd Peebles Stadium as Grant was stopped dead in his tracks. It was just the latest example of what Boyle brings to the table.”"
Whenever I see Boyle available late in a mock draft, I take him. He’d be an excellent choice for the Chiefs from the 4th round on and he’d be an upgrade over Chiefs 3rd string TE Richard Gordon.
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OT #53 Corey Robinson, 6-7, 324 (or 6-8, 348), South Carolina, projected rounds 6 or 7
Every now and then, I’m reading about a prospect and the scout or author writing about the prospect will say something that doesn’t ring true. CBSSports.com usually has their comments verified by having the author sign their work but when I read this about Robinson I had to look futher into his abilities, “While more athletic than he looks, Robinson is not a dancing bear.”
I’m not sure what any of that even means.
I’m glad I looked into Robinson because he’s a hidden gem… with some work to be done. Here’s tape of Corey Robinson vs. Florida (note: in 2013, and he’s definitely progressed since then) and while you can see he needs some seasoning you can also tell that this man has talent untapped. Yes, that #6 Dante Fowler he’s manhandling most of the time.
That tape was 2013 and he’s improved since then so click here to see Corey Robinson against Vic Beasley in 2014. Out of all these Backdraft prospects I’d like to see the Chiefs take Corey Robinson. He’ll be starting for someone at least by 2016.
I think Robinson rates better than a 6th or 7th round pick so if the Chiefs see him that late they could do themselves a world of good by adding him and throwing him into the RT mix this season.
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OLB/ILB #53 Kyle Emanuel, 6-4, 255, North Dakota State, projects rounds 5-6
Kyle Emanuel is the Buck Buchanan Award winner for 2014. This award annually goes to the best Division I defensive player. Emanuel may project to OLB for most teams but he played DE for North Dakota State and while I’m never crazy about having a player come to the pros and switch positions, I believe his best position would be ILB.
In 2014, Kyle Emanuel had 84 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks. He also had 10 sacks in 8 games against teams that ranked in the top 20. Kyle Emanuel dominated his competition as he should against Division I players. When watching Emanuel play — he’s all over the field — a trait usually found in ILBs. His football intelligence is higher than average which would also make him a great candidate for converting to ILB. Yes, it may take a year or two to get him to the point where he could start but the Chiefs are going to have an infusion of ten new players to their roster this year so bringing players in who are developmental, fits better with their timeline and helps them in the meantime roster wise.
Emanuel’s college team was 58-3 in his time there and they won 4 consecutive National titles. So, he’s a winner and knows how to win. You can never have enough of those players on your roster but more importantly Kyle Emanuel is tough and has the skills to play at the next level. For now Emanuel can be a solid spot starter and a top contributor on special teams.
I heard the Steelers are going to bring him in for a private workout. I’d rather not see Pittsburgh pluck another quality LB out from under everyone’s nose again. That story gets a little bit old.
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Chiefs Backdraft: Steals, Deal, Men With Wheels