Chiefs Mock Draft: Filling the secondary holes

5th Round

DJ Reader – DT – Clemson

Strengths: Not just an impressive athlete for his size, but impressive athlete all around, who played both football and baseball at Clemson.  Great footwork and short area quickness allows him to get opposing linemen out of position.  Though more of a run-stuffer, has the quickness and initial power and leverage to get after the QB.  Incredibly versatile, was actually recruited by many teams as a guard.  Lined up at fullback for the Tigers on a number of occasions.  Has the power to push players around.

Weaknesses: Has all the measurables but never lived up to the talent he flashed.  Reasons for leaving the team are still a mystery, and it’s clear the time away hampered his growth.  Needs some work on his technique, especially with his hands.  Though he has the power, doesn’t always shed blockers quickly enough.  Can get too caught up in beating his man and will fail to locate the ball.

The Fit: This may end up being the ultimate value pick.  Reader was on pace to being a top tier prospect until he left the team at the beginning of the year to address some personal problems.  After re-signing Jaye Howard, the Chiefs don’t have any kind of immediate need on the DL, but can always use a “next man up” in the event of future Free Agency departures.

Reader showed up well when he returned to Clemson, and shined at the Senior Bowl, so the talent is definitely there.  He’s definitely a boom or bust pick right now.  Missing the start of the 2015 season is an obvious setback, so it remains to be seen just what he’ll be.  Extenuating circumstances may be KC’s best friend right here.

Next: 6th Round