2018 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs class is a defensive haul
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs draft class of 2018 is a serious influx of young aggressive talent on defense, a referendum to be sure.
The 2018 NFL Draft is officially in the books.
Once again, the draft was a successful three-day event held in Arlington, Texas this time, and 32 NFL teams will stand in the hours and days following the draft telling reporters how they grabbed every single player they were hoping for.
As for the Kansas City Chiefs, general manager Brett Veach had an interesting first overall draft. Working without a first round pick to call his own will keep the class from looking very impactful on the surface, but the Chiefs made it quite clear that defense was a primary focus in terms of youth and talent acquisitions.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Chiefs picks in case you missed draft weekend (or just want to see them summarized):
1. Breeland Speaks, DL, Ole Miss (2nd)
The Chiefs grabbed Speaks in the second round after trading up 8 spots to get him and moved down nearly 25 spots in the process in the third. At No. 46 overall, the Chiefs grabbed Speaks who they describe as an aggressive, relentless pass rusher somewhat in the mold of Tamba Hali (Andy Reid’s words). Speaks had 6 sacks last year for the Rebels.
2. Derrick Nnadi, DL, Florida State (3rd)
Often described as the single best run defender in the draft, Nnadi is going to be an immediate help on select downs from the outset.
3. Dorian O’Daniel, LB, Clemson (3rd)
Expect O’Daniel to potentially compete with Dan Sorensen for the box safety role or as a hybrid player who can help on special assignments on tight ends. Brett Veach described him as a valuable “chess piece,” and I’d expect the Chiefs to be imaginative in the way they employ him.
4. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M (4th)
Watts brings a Ron Parker-esque skill set to the field and it will be interesting to see if he’s given the chance to win the free safety job outright next to Eric Berry.
5. Tremon Smith, CB, Central Arkansas (6th)
The small-school cornerback prospect has swagger aplenty and will be a nice help for the Chiefs in a thin secondary that has watched several corners leave in free agency.
6. Reginald McKenzie, OL/DL, Tennessee (6th)
McKenzie is the son of Reggie McKenzie, the Raiders GM, and the Chiefs have already announced their plans to switch his position from defensive line to offensive line. Those anecdotes are just about the only thing most people know about McKenzie’s game.
Check out the rookie minicamp invites and undrafted free agents here.