2019 NFL mock draft: Chiefs get help at cornerback, linebacker and running back
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs focus on three problem areas with their first three picks in Jon Ledyard’s latest two-round mock draft for 2019.
Over at the Draft Network, Jon Ledyard has put up his fourth official mock draft of the year as the calendar creeps ever closer to next spring’s 2019 NFL Draft.
The festivities are still a long way off, and there’s plenty of meaningful football yet to be played for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, but for those of us who love the drama of the draft, it’s fun to look ahead and what the Chiefs could resemble next summer—especially if the team is able to target problem areas as they have in Ledyard’s latest draft.
Ledyard has given us a new two-round mock, which is key for a team like the Chiefs that have an extra second round pick. Here’s a look at who Ledyard has the Chiefs taking.
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia (Round 1)
Ledyard isn’t the only analyst at The Draft Network to link Bryce Hall with the Chiefs, since Kyle Crabbs did so in a mock draft only a month ago. Crabbs loved Hall’s ability to make plays on the ball, and Ledyard agrees. He writes:
"I’m not totally sure where I fall on Hall’s draft stock just yet, but I can tell you it’s a lot higher than the consensus. For a guy who had 20 pass breakups and a pair of interceptions this season, the buzz sure is quiet on Hall, a former wide receiver with outstanding length, physicality and ball skills. He could be a big riser if he declares for the draft as a junior."
Adding a prospect who is cost-controlled with a high ceiling to a secondary that lacks a much-needed playmaker at the position could turn this weakness into a strength—or at least one with greater potential.
Consider that Hall could be the sort of plug and play corner to grow throughout his rookie year alongside Kendall Fuller, who will be in his second year with the Chiefs at that point. If the team re-signs Steven Nelson, then the Chiefs would have a nice cornerback trio they could develop while adding further depth via the draft and free agency.
The current problem at corner has been the Chiefs’ attempt to fill one of the top three primary spots with a one-year wonder in free agency. Hoping a veteran has one good year left is a good move when you’re dealing with an injury, not coming into a full season. Hall would give the Chiefs long-term security, true impact potential and would keep costs low on the back end of the defense.