NFL mock draft 2019: Chiefs take Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall in first round

The latest mock draft is out from The Draft Network and the Kansas City Chiefs are projected to add some significant help to the secondary.

The Kansas City Chiefs have experienced a complete turnaround at cornerback in the 10 games played so far in 2018, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need an early pick in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft to bolster the unit. That’s why Kyle Crabbs has unveiled his mock projection for the Chiefs as Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall to end the first round.

Crabbs is part of The Draft Network, and his latest mock draft gives the Chiefs some long-term, cost-controlled help in the secondary in a year where they could potentially lose a lot of it.

Before we get to Hall, it’s important to note the setup for the Chiefs at cornerback heading into 2019. Orlando Scandrick has performed better than expected for the defense, but he was a one-year signing. Even if he’s brought back, it would not be for much money and his age becomes a factor when planning even one year ahead.

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The Chiefs could re-sign Steven Nelson given they know him quite well from the last four seasons after drafting him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. Nelson is playing his best football in a contract year right now, showing up strong for the Chiefs nearly all year but especially as the season progresses. Nelson has three interceptions in his last six games. His performance for a contender could equal a major payday in free agency that might prove to be a bit much for general manager Brett Veach.

That leaves Kendall Fuller as the only starting quality cornerback on the roster for 2019. That’s not to say that others like Charvarius Ward or Tremon Smith couldn’t make the leap for more playing time, but both, for now, are special teams players and nothing more.

Fuller is a great player to have in-house as a building block, but the Chiefs clearly need more quality and quantity. That makes a first-round investment in a cornerback look like a reasonable choice. Whether or not that is Hall is another matter, but Crabbs is right for focusing on CB as the position of need.

"The Chiefs secondary is…not great. Bryce Hall? He’s quietly pretty great. It’s a match made in heaven, right? Right. Ball skills and a fit at position of need, pretty straight forward proposition."

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At 6’1, 200 lbs., Hall has the ideal physical frame and length for the position. In 10 games this year, Hall has 2 interceptions and 17 passes defended for the Cavaliers, but as Joe Marino notes, he’s still learning the position. Hall just switched to corner from wide receiver in 2016. Check out the Draft Network’s full profile here.

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