It would be interesting to see how the Chiefs would use Melifonwu if he wowed them enough to take him in the first or somewhere later if they slid back a few spots in a trade. The aforementioned spots are taken up by veterans that John Dorsey clearly likes. However in nickel and dime sub-packages, there are slots for multiple defensive backs and perhaps Bob Sutton would learn how to present Melifonwu in versatile spots throughout his rookie season as he learned the playbook. In other words, the Chiefs coaches might have to learn how to use him even as he learns as well.
Melifonwu profiles best as a strong safety, which is undoubtedly Eric Berry’s role, but he could help save some money starting next year as Parker’s eventual replacement. Parker’s cap hit escalates to $7 million in the next two seasons, starting in 2018, and the dead cap space is minimal if Dorsey wanted to cut him loose in 2018. Melifonwu and Berry would create an incredible safety tandem and the transition would remain seamless for an elite secondary.
This all depends, of course, on the Chiefs beating every other team to securing Melifonwu’s services. Given the number of teams scurrying to schedule visits, that could prove to be the toughest part of all.