2018 NFL Draft: Small school prospects that match the Kansas City Chiefs

Lets take a look at a few small-school prospects that could make sense for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Every year, small school prospects emerge from unknowns to stars in the National Football League. Every year, next to the obvious heralded prospects from Power 5 schools, teams take chances on less-proven products, hoping to strike it rich in the process.

Just last year, the Chiefs selected Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova and Ukeme Eligwe from Georgia Southern. Both were FCS players who are going to need additional time to prove what they can do.

Lets take a look at a few similar small-school prospects that could make sense for the Chiefs in the upcoming draft.

Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State (6’5 / 300 pounds)

The Tigers of Fort Hays State are not exactly known for NFL draft prospects. This year is the exception. Nathan Shepherd was a man amongst boys in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (Division II), displaying great strength and power to go along with his size.

The first FHSU product to be invited and appear in the Senior Bowl, Shepherd’s performance was eye-opening before he suffered a bone break in his hand. Beyond the desired NFL size for a lineman and the video of dominance at the D-II level, Shepherd’s abbreviated performance during the Senior Bowl showed put his athleticism and power on display against top shelf competition, proving himself a draft prospect.

Does he fit the Chiefs? Yes, very much so. I would expect the Chiefs to hold Shepherd in high regard as a developmental prospect for the mid to late rounds. Organization wants to go young, and Shepherd is a player that could step in right away as a rotational defensive lineman.

Nick DeLuca, LB, North Dakota State (6’3 / 243 pounds)

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North Dakota State has been a FCS powerhouse for years, and has a history or producing NFL talent in recent years, highlighted by Carson Wentz going 2nd overall in the 2016 draft. Nick DeLuca played middle backer for the Bison and appears capable of developing into a contributing linebacker in the NFL.

DeLuca has experience and shown an ability playing both in the box stopping the run and dropping back into pass coverage. The NDSU product doesn’t ‘flash’ on tape often, but is a consistent contributor in all phases of the defense. A Senior Bowl invite, DeLuca showed himself well against upper level competition and the ability to compete.

Does he fit the Chiefs? Yes. With the departure of Derrick Johnson and the organizations decree to get younger, the most vital place to be young (but still talented) is at linebacker. While DeLuca may not be an immediate starter, depth is a question next to Reggie Ragland in the heart of the defense.

Ebenezer Ogundeko, EDGE, Tennessee St. (6’3 / 255 pounds)

Ebenezer Ogundeko’s draft potential will hinge on interviews and background checks. A former four star prospect that landed at Clemson, he was dismissed from the Tigers program after being arrested for using a stolen credit card in 2013 and has another arrest for involvement in a brawl at Tennessee State. Those issues will certainly need to be looked into and vetted.

The on field product from Ogundeko shows a quick get off and strong instincts as a pass rusher, as well as instincts to play the run. During Ogendko’s three years at Tennessee State, 28.5 sacks were recorded. As is common with most college prospects, especially small school kids, he needs to a NFL weight room and strength program.

Does he fit the Chiefs? If the background checks come clean and the organization is comfortable moving forward, he could fit the Chiefs. This is a team that will be under a lot of transition on defense over the upcoming seasons, so young depth will be vital. With nothing of a known quantity behind Justin Houston, the Chiefs will be looking to add depth.

Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State (5’11 / 189 pounds)

With the anticipated addition of Kendall Fuller and the return of Eric Berry, the need in the defensive backfield is not nearly what it was thought to be. However, as Chiefs fans can attest, there is a need of talented depth to replace non-producing veterans.

Taron Johnson performed well at the Senior Bowl and has good size and athleticism. A four year starter, Johnson certainly has plenty of playing experience. Much like the previously mentioned prospects, he needs a strength and weight training program to compete and stay in the league. However, there is potential and traits to build up.

Does he fit the Chiefs? Much will depend on how he tests at the Combine and what Veach values at corner. John Dorsey was known for liking and wanting taller defensive backs, so his value likely varies depending on teams positional measurement traits. However, in the middle rounds, Johnson is a player that could make sense.

Martez Carter, RB, Grambling (5’7 / 200 pounds)

Martez Carter is a little ball of quick energy for the Grambling football team, as a runner, receiver and a kick returner. More quick then fast, Carter has good vision and a strong lower half that allows him to make the most of his physical tools with his diminutive frame.

Carter is not a prospect that a team should or would likely anticipate being an every down back, but a prospect used in a similar fashion to other undersized backs, like Darren Sproles and 2017 Bears draft selection Tarik Cohen, who played at North Carolina A&T and share a similar frame.

Not being invited to the Combine was a surprise, but Carter is a player that could stick in the league.

Does he fit the Chiefs? Much will depend on what the Chiefs plans are with Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. Carter is a nice change of pace, with the explosive burst a different pace then starter Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware. Carter would provide the Chiefs depth and ability to contribute in multiple ways, which appears to be something Andy Reid values.

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