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2019 NFL mock draft: Kansas City Chiefs linked with defensive help in 1st round

By Matt Conner

BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 27: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on between plays against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 27: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on between plays against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies breaks up a pass intended for Siaosi Mariner #8 of the Utah Utes to clinch the game for the Huskies late int he fourth quarter during the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies breaks up a pass intended for Siaosi Mariner #8 of the Utah Utes to clinch the game for the Huskies late int he fourth quarter during the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to go defense at the bottom of the first round in some form as they pick at No. 29 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs were only one play away from playing on the biggest stage of all in professional sports, and they did so with a first-year starter at quarterback and a defense that was a sinking ship in so many ways. That’s what makes this year’s draft so exciting for Chiefs fans because a team that was already so close is going to have the chance to add significant talent to an elite roster.

The latest scan of mock drafts from NFL analysts shows that most believe the Chiefs will go defense with their first overall pick late in the first round. The Chiefs will be picking at No 29 overall, having lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game, which gives them one of the last picks on the first day. Fortunately, they also have two in the second round to further bolster the roster.

Let’s take a look at the latest projections and how they would fit in K.C.

Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

What is clear is that most NFL analysts believe the Chiefs will set about fixing their cornerback position with the first overall pick in the draft—or at least that’s where they will find comparable value to where they are picking. A few cornerbacks have surfaced with the Chiefs, and Murphy is perhaps the most exciting of them all. Over at Sports Illustrated, Kalyn Kahler mocks Murphy to the Chiefs and writes:

"A versatile and aggressive corner, Murphy would brings ball skills and the ability to cover the slot to a Chiefs defense looking to solidify on the back end. He’s on the small side but more than willing to step up in run support."

Murphy is Pro Football Focus’s top cornerback available in this year’s draft class, and they’re not alone in their high praise of the Washington product. The redshirt sophomore just turned 21-years-old, which means he still has considerable growth ahead, but he’s already pro-ready with comps to Kyle Fuller (a player the Chiefs just tried to add last offseason).

As for his fit in Kansas City, Murphy is a bit small and that could concern teams if they’re looking for outside help—which includes the Chiefs. The team already seems set with guys who can lock down the slot, but the Chiefs also have versatile enough players to switch if Murphy provides the best defender inside. Kendall Fuller might have to situate himself outside on a full-time basis in a case like this—even on obvious passing downs.

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