2018 NFL draft: Chiefs add Shaquem Griffin, more in new 3-round mock
By Matt Conner
The latest three-round mock draft from Dane Brugler, NFL Draft analyst, should have Chiefs fans happy with some key defensive additions.
The Kansas City Chiefs lack a first round pick in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft, but with multiple picks in the middle rounds, Brett Veach should still be able to come away from the weekend with lots of help and potential starters at key positions of need.
The latest mock draft from NFL analyst Dane Brugler runs through three full rounds, and with three picks in that time, the Chiefs look like they can piece together a nice defensive core in the Class of 2018 if the Chiefs go with his picks. Let’s take a closer look:
Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama (2nd round)
Brugler says: “A physical, press player, Averett is the type of cornerback the Chiefs want for their defense.”
The pick: Averett is a 5’11, 183 lb. cornerback who has played at the highest level of college football with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as a starter the last two years. He has 16 passes defended, 1 interception, 3 sacks and 98 total tackles for Bama over the last two years.
The fit: Averett might not be the sort of high-ceiling corner that some of his teammates might be on the Bama defense, but his experience and skill set should make him a candidate to start instantly at the next level, especially given that defenses employ nickel packages more often than not these days.
The Chiefs most certainly need further help and higher ceilings at the position of cornerback after losing Marcus Peters via trade and considerable depth to free agency. Kendall Fuller, David Amerson and Steven Nelson form the current core, so adding Averett to the mix gives them another young starting option to pair with Fuller for the long-term. (Both Amerson and Nelson are free agents after 2018.)
You can read Averett’s NFL Draft scouting report here.