Mock Draft Roundup: The Chiefs Could Do Anything
It’s April, which means the NFL Draft is right around the corner. This is the time for conjecture, smokescreens and insane amounts of mock drafts, which all get blown to bits 20 minutes into the event by an unforeseen trade.
Is that going to stop us from rounding up the mock drafts, though? Of course not. This is one of the best times of year, when we can all dream of who the Kansas City Chiefs will be landing come April 30-May 2 in the beautiful city of Chicago.
So who are the experts predicting to land in Kansas City with the 18th overall pick? Let’s take a look.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
"With Sean Smith and Jamell Fleming both entering contract years, the cornerback position is one direction the Chiefs could go with this pick and Johnson fits the mold of what Kansas City looks for in the position."
Rob Rang of CBS Sports: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
"It isn’t difficult to imagine Kansas City adding to its receivers or secondary with this pick, but don’t be surprised if former offensive line coach Andy Reid pulls for Erving, who is considered the most versatile blocker in the draft. The former defensive lineman was voted the ACC’s top blocker at left tackle in 2013 and again in 2014 after a seamless midseason switch to center."
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
"Their line always seems to be in need of an upgrade. Clemmings has a ton of athletic ability."
Will Brinson of CBS Sports: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
"Andy Reid’s got to beef up the secondary and grabbing the best safety in the draft class is a good way to do that, even if there hasn’t been a ton of success for Nick Saban’s defensive backs in the NFL in recent years."
Peter King of Sports Illustrated: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
"Wouldn’t be shocked to see him go as high as 13 or 14, especially after running two sub-4.3 40s at his pro day. He’s getting tons of love in the scouting community. Chiefs will hope he’s not Stephen Hill."
Don Banks of Sports Illustrated: La’El Collins, OT, LSU
"The Jeremy Maclin signing in free agency likely shifts the first-round focus from receiver to the offensive line, although a size-speed pass-catcher like Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong could still be tempting to Kansas City. Collins has the swing-man skills to plug in at either guard or tackle and upgrade an offensive front that has not been a Chiefs strength in recent years."
Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead: La’El Collins, OT, LSU
"If the Chiefs are in win-now mode, rebuilding an offensive line that was below-average (according to Pro Football focus) pass blocking and run blocking last year, Collins is a wise pick."
Drafttek: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
"Chiefs GM John Dorsey wants to stack his roster so he can go strictly “best player available” in the draft. It’s a great theory, but tough to realize in practice. Despite his busy off-season, the Chiefs still have holes at C, RT, WR, ILB, and CB. The Chiefs fooled the draft world last year by taking Dee Ford, so we can’t rule many positions out at this spot. However, The money bet is still on one of the above five positions. We see the versatile lineman from Florida State as being the best bet. Erving has experience at Left Tackle and Center. His skill set is such that he can be plugged in anywhere along the line. The Chiefs highly value position flexibility. Erving’s best position in the NFL appears to be Center. In this mock, the Chiefs lose one Florida State Center (Rodney Hudson) and replace him with another."
Who do you think the Chiefs should pick? Let us know in the comments below.