6th Round (#203)
Nile Lawrence-Stample – DT – Florida State
Strengths: Space eater who understands how to occupy blockers. Excellent strength and anchor to hold his ground in the running game and disrupt lanes. Quicker than you would expect and is able to surprise blockers to get around them and make the play. Classic 3-4 NT who will set the base of the defense in the run game and force teams to account for his presence. Can simply overpower most of his opponents.
Weaknesses: Limited experience and it can show. Was a LB convert from high school and buried on the depth chart for most of his time at FSU. Technique gets sloppy, especially when he’s had an extended snap count. Will likely never be in the running for a full time starting spot. Not an ideal fit for a 1-gap scheme and will have to be a reserve for the running game.
The Fit: The Chiefs bought some time with their starting defensive line group, but it’s hard to see all three of Bailey-Poe-Howard being on this roster beyond the next couple of years. John Dorsey has already started looking into his long term options, but he needs to keep doing that until he knows he’s got a good group for the future. Stample’s career at Florida State never really got moving due to injury, but his build and athletic versatility make him a quality project player.
Next: Still Working The Trenches