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Attack of the hybrids – Chiefs Draft Science 2016 pt 3

By Ryan Tracy

Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) returns an interception for a touchdown against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) returns an interception for a touchdown against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

Though it is not what I recommend, Sutton is comfortable with small, undersized players lining up at linebacker in the nickel. Abdullah is evidence of that. Officially listed at 204 lbs, Abdullah played only marginally heavier at maybe 210 lbs. there are a number of players that size or bigger that can not only replace the retired Chief, but offer upgrades in some areas.

For a refresher on the functional athletic matrix scoring, check back on Draft Science part 1 and part 2.

Power, Range & SAQ

When slotting a player into the nickel linebacker role, we have to consider defending the run/screen game versus downfield coverage. Abdullah is an above-average, but unspectacular athlete. Five of the Hybrid NLB/Safety prospects grade out with higher functional athleticism.

Hyrids_3traits
Hyrids_3traits /

Options

Abdullah’s strength was his coverage SAQm, which is atypical for traditional safeties. One prospect surpasses his SAQm grade of 96.413 (and grades even higher that Eric Berry). Fully five hybrid prospects listed here grade out better in all other functional athleticism matrices than did Abdullah. Power, explosion and explosive range are all aspects that the Chiefs have multiple options available who can upgrade their nickel linebacker.

DS03_Hybrid_profiles
DS03_Hybrid_profiles /

Next: Who produced and who fits in the Chiefs?

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