2018 NFL mock draft: 7-round mock for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
No. 233 overall
Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt
No. 243 overall
Bilal Nichols, DL, Delaware
Burks and Nichols could both be great late-round fits for the Chiefs as defensive projects with potential for something special. Both could also be immediate contributors on special teams for Dave Toub.
Burks has been honored for his leadership and character for Vanderbilt, but also comes with starting experience all over at linebacker as well as safety, which means he could bring the Chiefs some scheme versatility as a hybrid prospect. Given the loss of Kevin Pierre-Louis, Burks gives the Chiefs a player who can come in and back up the team’s young tandem of Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens.
As for Nichols, he’s a small-school prospect earning more buzz as the draft gets closer, so it might be a surprise if he’s still here near the end of the draft. Last year for Delaware, the 6’4, 306 lb. defensive lineman had 5.5 sacks and 4 pass break-ups last year, showing off his awareness on the line. He can hold up against the run, but he’s going to have to develop further his technique and adjust to the NFL level. Still the Chiefs could use another project along the line to develop and Nichols is a nice prospect fit to work with.