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2017 NFL Draft: Looking at mid-to-late round picks for the Chiefs

By Andrew Jones

Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) scores on a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys during the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) scores on a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys during the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Washington Huskies defensive lineman Elijah Qualls (11) during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Washington Huskies and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama defeated Washington by the score of 24-7 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Washington Huskies defensive lineman Elijah Qualls (11) during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Washington Huskies and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama defeated Washington by the score of 24-7 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3rd Round (1st Pick)

The Chiefs have two picks in the third round, and they’re likely to keep both. I see this as the best opportunity to grab one running back in particular if he is there, but otherwise they can go with a defensive tackle and inside linebacker.

The running back that would fit the system well if paired with Spencer Ware or Charcandrick West is Jamaal Williams. His size and elusiveness make for a patient and bruising back for the NFL. He isn’t the pass catcher or pass protector that Reid usually has in his system. That is for West or Ware to showcase their talents. The Chiefs had difficulty moving the ball on the ground in 2016 and Williams (and his 5.9 yards/carry average) would help that tremendously.

If Reid doesn’t like a back that can’t be trusted to protect his quarterback then inside linebacker should be the target. The Chiefs struggled mightily in defending the run last season. A guy like Raekwon McMillan would be the run stuffer they need. If Derrick Johnson can get back to full strength and Josh Mauga decides to rejoin the team then the Chiefs can sub McMillan in on second down and ideal run situations. He needs to work on his pass coverage and his tackling in space but when given a hole to fill there aren’t man backs that could run him over.

3rd Round (2nd Pick)

For their second pick the Chiefs could target a guard or defensive lineman. Assuming they lose Dontari Poe in free agency, the Chiefs will need someone to take double-teams on the defensive line. There are more top rated defensive linemen in the third round so the Chiefs should be able to find a Poe replacement. Elijah Qualls best fits the bill.

At 6’1″ 322 pounds, Qualls has the size to take up double teams. He will need to work on his pass rush but the Chiefs would do well to have him in the lineup. Since guys should be returning from injury he may not be needed in pass rush as much as Poe. The Chiefs need a run stopper that can eat up gaps when asked.

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