Why the quarterback is so vital to the Chiefs 2017 draft
By John McCarty
With all of this in mind, here’s my mock draft that does include the Chiefs going quarterback in the first round.
1st round (27th overall) – Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Not sure if he’ll be on the board, as I can see scenario in which he’s off the board prior to the Chiefs selection. However, if he’s on the board here, he makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs. While his footwork needs well, work, the arm strength and down-field aggressiveness are far superior to both Alex Smith and other draft candidates.
2nd round (59th) – Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
Big fan of this prospect, with good size and really good speed. Mack, in his three years at South Florida, lined up all over the offensive formations, getting the ball on jet sweeps, dive plays, and lining up as a receiver out wide. His versatility running inside and outside as well as his ability to catch the football is an ideal fit. He’ll need to continue to improve his football security, as his draft profile does point out he’s fumbled 13 times in the past three seasons.
3rd round (91st) – Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
Analysts are all over the map on where his value lies currently leading up to the draft. However, in a deep draft, talented players will be found much later then what we believe. While on film he appears to, at time, have issues fighting off blocks, he’s a great athlete (played basketball at Houston for two seasons as well) , displays both a quick twitch coming off the ball and hustle. Lanky and athletic, at a minimum, provides another outside pass rusher.
3rd round (104th) Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa
Big body interior lineman from the Hawkeyes, Johnson displays good play strength, along with some quickness and burst. In my opinion, is not a read and react type lineman, but is more of a attack and go type player (Chris Jones last year was the same way). Big lower body and power could add another big body along the interior of the Chiefs defensive line, especially along the interior. In this scenario, Johnson would be the first Big Ten player selected by the Chiefs under the Dorsey regime.