2018 NFL Draft: Why the Kansas City Chiefs were big winners on Friday
ROUND 3 (75)
DERRICK NNADI, DL, Florida State
Another tough, physical defensive line piece I really wanted the Chiefs to go after in this class whom they can plug straight into that nose tackle spot, still vacant from the departure of Dontari Poe. Veach again was steadfast in the guy he wanted and moved up 11 spots, dealing with the Raiders to ensure he didn’t come off the board ahead of them.
This selection immediately improves the pass rush and makes the lives of Reggie Ragland, Anthony Hitchens not to mention Justin Houston and Dee Ford that much easier. Nnadi routinely soaks up double teams and will keep the defensive playmakers clean to go about their work. However, the former Seminole was unusually productive given his spot at the nose, racking up 53 stops, 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss, with a penchant for getting his hands up and breaking up the pass. I love this selection and given I had a second round grade on him, he represents great value too.
Scouting Report:
A top ten defensive tackle out of high school in Virginia. Stout, squatty, thick-bodied interior defensive tackle with a wide upper body and strong, tree trunks legs. Plays the unselfish role at the head of the Seminoles’ defense, that allows others to make plays while at times being a handful himself and eating space.
Plays a tough brand of football, a true competitor who fights hard until the whistle. Plays with a natural leverage that makes him so tough to move, able to sit down and absorb blockers at the point of attack and winning the pad level battle. Regularly attracts double teams, taking the heat off his linebackers. Plays with a quick release off the snap and is more than just a space eater inside.
He shoots off his stance under the pads of offensive linemen, pushing them back into the quarterbacks’ lap, while in passing downs he displays a highly effective swim move, swiping his opponents out of the way and bursting through the gap to collapse the pocket and flush the quarterback out. Possesses impressive quickness for his size and flows down the line to make plays against run. Excellent tackler, when he gets himself into position he rarely misses the tackle.
When blocked up the middle he manages to disengage well and or keep part of his body free to make the stop in his area. Put in a dominant display in the final week of the regular season on the road at Florida in a two sack, two tackle for loss performance.
Nnadi is a very smooth, solid talent who you don’t necessarily always notice thanks to his every down consistency. Will be a very good anchor to build a defense around at the next level, having played as a nose guard in a 4-3 and the nose tackle in a three-man front during games for the Seminoles. I like his ability to be the anchor in a 3-4.
While at the next level his play wont necessarily show up win the stat sheet, his unselfish, never-say-die play up front will create countless opportunities for his teammates. That said, the three-year starter has been a highly productive presence given his position inside. The senior is a technically sound player across the board and can be plugged in right away on Sundays.