What combine standouts could end up with the Chiefs?

For the past several days all eyes in the NFL have been on Indianapolis, Indiana for the annual NFL scouting combine. We could spend all day debating just how important the results of the NFL combine are, but every year there are players who help their draft stock with strong performances there and this year was no different. So which prospects that had a strong combine could end up the latest member of the Kansas City Chiefs? Here are a few a possibilities.

Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana – 6’6″ – 301 lbs

If you read my offensive line prospect preview last week I mentioned Spriggs as a possible second round prospect for the Chiefs. Spriggs had a fantastic combine, highlighted by a 4.94 second forty time and 31 bench press reps. In fact, Spriggs was one of the top offensive line performers in four different drills (forty time, bench press, 20 yard shuttle, and broad jump). In addition to putting up good numbers Spriggs looked very natural and fluid in the drills. Spriggs is clearly one of the more athletic offensive tackle prospects and when you combine that with a good work ethic it makes him an intriguing prospect.

There was enough buzz about Spriggs combine performance that some were even speculating that perhaps he had done enough to make himself a possible first round selection. I don’t quite agree with that. While Spriggs showed that he has the physical tools to pass protect on the outside his combine results don’t discount a couple of concerns with his game. First, he’s not a real mover in the run game. Bench press reps are great, but game tape tells the true story. Second, while Spriggs does have the athleticism to protect the edge against speed rushers he has shown some vulnerability to inside moves.

If Spriggs strong combine performance has pushed him up to a late first round or early second round prospect then he may not end up in Kansas City. While I’d be in favor of KC drafting a tackle like Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker in the first I think there will be more talented players available than Spriggs in the first round. However, if the Chiefs were to pass on a tackle in the first round and Spriggs was available in the second round I think he would be a great second round pick. The Chiefs have shown that they favor athletic tackles like Eric Fisher and Donald Stephenson and Spriggs would certainly fit that mold. If the Chiefs were to eventually part ways with Fisher, Spriggs does have the athleticism to be a candidate to take over the left tackle spot (with some work and good coaching).

Next let’s look at a possible wide receiver target that had a good combine.

Next: The next Randall Cobb?