Chiefs draft 2017: Leon McQuay III praised for his intelligence, athleticism

The Kansas City Chiefs used the last pick of their 2017 NFL Draft class in the sixth round on Southern Cal defensive back Leon McQuay III.

With their last selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs grabbed a player who will likely see some time on the Chiefs special teams’ unit as well as someone who can compete for time in dime packages early on. Despite the fact that he has experience playing safety at the University of Southern California, Chiefs scout Trey Koziol says the team is likely looking at him to be a nickel corner sort of role.

“I think we’re kinda looking at him more as a corner, possibly as a nickel, which as you saw off the tape from [Southern California], just the movement skills, the hips, the athleticism, the speed, the length. I think that primarily right now, that’s where we’re looking at him as.”

The former Trojans player weighs in at 6-2, 185 lbs. and his length is one positive aspect that Koziol pointed to time and again during his few minutes in front of the media. Koziol also pointed out his natural athleticism and intelligence, and it’s clear he believes the Chiefs selected a nice, well-rounded player late in the draft.

“He does have ball skills. He has five career interceptions. I thought that with his length and his speed and athleticism, he can go up, he can play the ball,” said Koziol.

“He’s a tremendously bright kid. His ability to see things from a safety role conceptually, when you ask him to play zone coverage, is only going to help him experience-wise.”

When asked about his weaknesses, Koziol says the pro transition will provide some adjustments, as it would for any player coming in, as well as his footwork. However, it’s also clear that the Chiefs area scout believes he’s coming in ready to make the final roster.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” said Koziol. “He’s got a lot of physical tools to work with. I’m excited to get him in here.”