Chiefs draft philosophy may point to a defensive lineman

Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

While signs definitely point towards a defensive lineman in the first round it is certainly still possible the Chiefs go another direction. Perhaps a player at another position that they have an elite grade on falls to them and they simply can’t pass him up. Perhaps a cornerback like William Jackson or an offensive lineman like Cody Whitehair is on the board and has a similar grade to the top defensive lineman available and they decide to let need be the tie breaker.

If that’s the case Chiefs fans still shouldn’t write off taking a defensive lineman early because the depth at the position extends beyond the first round.

When looking at multiple draft rankings and big boards I found another ten defensive lineman that showed up on lists of the top 50 prospects in this draft. Those players include:

Austin Johnson – Penn State – 6’4″ 314 pounds
Hassan Ridgeway – Texas – 6’3″ 303 pounds
Adolphus Washington – Ohio State – 6’3″ 301 pounds
Jihad Ward – Illinois – 6’5″ 297 pounds
Maliek Collins – Nebraska – 6’2″ 311 pounds
Bronson Kaufusi – BYU – 6’6″ 285 pounds
Sheldon Day – Notre Dame – 6’1″ 293 pounds
Javon Hargrave – South Carolina State – 6’1″ 309 pounds
Shawn Oakman – Baylor – 6’8″ 287 pounds
Willie Henry – Michigan – 6’3″ 303 pounds

Again, the Chiefs aren’t likely to love all those players as second round picks but because there are so many to choose from the odds of one of them they do like sliding to them in the second round is more likely. When you factor in the possibility that some of the players from the first round list could easily slide into the second round it only increases the odds more.

The depth of this defensive line class combined with the Chiefs draft record and stated philosophy make it incredibly likely that we may see them select a defensive lineman in the first or second round of the NFL draft. I just hope that KC fans won’t be too upset if that selection doesn’t match up with their own personal mock draft.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!

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