At 28, the Chiefs are highly unlikely to get a chance at either of the top two signal callers, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz or California’s Jared Goff. Also likely to be off the board is Memphis signal caller Paxton Lynch. I bring him up as it’s been reported the Chiefs are using one of their pre-draft visits for Lynch. I for one, as do many, don’t understand or view Lynch as a legitimate option for the Chiefs at 28. As I stated last week, his play style doesn’t fit what the Chiefs do. More likely, the Chiefs will target their desperate lack of depth and talent at cornerback at 28. So we look towards round 2.
Some fans believe Jones will be available later in the draft, and they may very well be right, but I’m not sure of that. There are a bunch of teams that will be looking at quarterback depth, and the second and third rounds will see a run on the next tier of signal-callers. Even if the Chiefs had their third round selection, Kansas City is likely outside of the opportunity to get a signal-caller, as big names will start coming off the board where the Chiefs are at and going through the draft in the second round and going forward.
I like Cardale Jones more so then other names, including the much mentioned Connor Cook of Michigan State and the previously mentioned by this columnist Christian Hackenberg.
What are the positives for a selection of Cardale Jones? Lets take a look
- First, he has a massive arm. He can make any throw in the playbook and can do so with ease. There’s not a throw he can’t make.
- Secondly, behind the massive arm is his athleticism. He displays the ability to not only move and run outside the pocket, but an ability to move within the pocket, buying time as receivers get open down field.
- He’s a large human being, standing 6 foot 5 and weighing around 250 pounds. It’s difficult to bring down men of that size.
- Has a strong football IQ. While there’s not a lot of film on Jones, he has extensive experience against high quality opponents. Shows the awareness of allowing receivers to get open, when to get out of the pocket, leading receivers, etc.
- Has good accuracy, especially on deep routes. Needs to improve his overall consistency, but when his footwork is right, he’s accurate with his throws. Not Aarond Rogers accurate, but is good placing the football.
- Jones is a great kid and great teammate. Unlike Connor Cook or to a lesser degree Hackenberg, who’s personality and leadership issues have been mentioned and pointed out, Jones has no such issues. Coaches and players alike have only good things to say. A very likeable kid.
Next: What are the issues?