Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft: Inside linebacker targets for the Chiefs to consider

By Lyle Graversen

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Raekwon McMillan – Ohio State – 6’2″ – 240 pounds

Ohio State’s Raekwon McMillan was an incredibly productive linebacker in college and has the build of a typical inside linebacker in the NFL. I feel like he could handle playing from day one in his NFL career I just don’t believe he has the elite upside of the other three players profiled in this post. He’s a solid tackler and has the strength needed for the position. His speed is good when he has a clear path to the ball carrier but where he comes up a little short of the other prospects is his ability to change directions as quickly. He also will sometimes look a step slow after engaging a blocker.

These aren’t major problems that will keep him from being a good NFL player but they may keep him from being an elite one. If the Chiefs want to use their second round pick on a guy they can plug in and have a solid NFL starting linebacker I think McMillan fits the bill. If they are looking for elite upside and hope that they find someone to be the next Derrick Johnson I think they probably need to take one of the first three prospects.

So what do you think Chiefs fans? Are you in favor of KC drafting an inside linebacker early in this draft? Do you have faith that some combination of Ramik Wilson, Justin March, DJ Alexander and/or a recovered Derrick Johnson can get the job done in 2017? Do you like any of these prospects as options for Kansas City early on in this draft? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News