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2017 NFL Draft: Defensive crushes for the Kansas City Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

Sep 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Ohio Bobcats safety Nathan Carpenter (35) and linebacker Blair Brown (33) tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Ohio Bobcats safety Nathan Carpenter (35) and linebacker Blair Brown (33) tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 29: Haason Reddick
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 29: Haason Reddick /

Haason Reddick – LB – Temple

When I first started studying Haason Reddick he was slotted to be drafted right where the Chiefs are selecting. Entering the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine Reddick was mostly viewed as a late first round/early second round prospect with a lot of upside. However, his strong showing at both of those events has lead to even more people studying the game tape of this Temple standout and pretty much everyone loves what they see. I am no exception.

I instantly loved the athleticism and energy that Reddick plays with on the field. I think he would be a tackling machine at inside linebacker in the Chiefs 3-4 defense. While he and Derrick Johnson are different players they share a freakish athleticism that allows them to fly to the football. Reddick (like Johnson) will need time to learn the position (he played defensive end at Temple) in the NFL but he looked like a natural when he played linebacker at the senior bowl and his athleticism at the combine was off the charts. He ran a 4.52 forty, jumped a 36.5 inch vertical, and had a 7.01 three cone drill.

While Reddick’s numbers are nice its his clear athleticism that flashes on his game tape that really impresses. I think he has a chance to be a really special player in the NFL once he is used properly (not lined up as a defensive end). In KC’s 3-4 Reddick would have space to roam and attack the ball. He would be a fantastic heir to DJ at inside linebacker. I also like Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham, but I think Reddick has higher upside.

While I could easily go on about Reddick, I think I might be wasting my time here because I don’t see him winding up in Kansas City. While I wish that was because I was so confident that the Chiefs were taking a quarterback in the first round, the truth is that I no longer believe Reddick will be available when KC is on the clock. Reddick has seen his stock rise as much as any defensive player in this draft and its not a stretch to think he could be a top fifteen pick at this point. However, if he does slide farther than currently expected and the Chiefs don’t take a quarterback in the first round then I would LOVE it if Reddick ended up in Kansas City.

Now let’s look at my favorite option to pair at cornerback with Marcus Peters.

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