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2017 NFL Draft: 5 intriguing prospects from the Chiefs local pro day

By Matt Conner

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21: Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey speaks to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21: Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey speaks to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 12: Kansas Jayhawks safety Fish Smithson (9) during a Big 12 contest between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas Jayhawks on November 12, 2016 at Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 12: Kansas Jayhawks safety Fish Smithson (9) during a Big 12 contest between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas Jayhawks on November 12, 2016 at Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Fish Smithson, S, Kansas

Kansas football’s best bet for an NFL Draft entrant is their star safety, Fish Smithson. Smithson’s last two years have been a solid pro showcase in the secondary, earning second and first All-Big 12 team honors the last two seasons, respectively. This season, Smithson had 93 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, 4 interceptions, 7 passes defended, following up a stellar 2015 season where he led the Big 12 in total tackles with 111.

The Chiefs have quality players at nearly every spot in the secondary, so real estate on the roster among defensive backs is at a premium. Not only are the starters locked in with Ron Parker and Eric Berry, but Daniel Sorensen’s four-year extension and the special teams success of last year’s fourth round pick Eric Murray take up another two spots. However, there’s still room on the training camp roster to consider and Smithson definitely warrants a look.

Smithson’s is willing to help with the run, is versatile as a safety, has solid instincts and good numbers for getting to the ball and knocking it down or forcing a takeaway. He’s not your prototypical size/speed prospect which will keep him out of the conversation for Day 1 or 2 of the draft, but there’s no reason to not consider him on Day 3 at all.

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