Round 1, Pick 29
The Logical selection: Nasir Adderley, FS, Delaware
Nasir Adderley’s stock is trending up after a solid Senior Bowl showing, but should still be there at the end of round 1. Adderley’s value comes as a deep safety who can fly from center field to the sideline with haste. He snagged 10 interceptions as a 4-year starter for the Blue Hens.
The Chiefs have lacked an effective single high safety for a few years, and Adderley fits the bill. There are some questions about Adderley’s ability to play man coverage but his ability in a zone is apparent. Adderley measured in at 5’11 and 195 which is acceptable for his position but the safety would benefit from adding some muscle to his frame. Despite a somewhat slight build, Adderley has shown to be an effective tackler in the open field.
The Best Case selection: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Many people think the Chiefs should target a corner early, but there is a much more glaring need at safety for Kansas City. Thompson’s draft stock has been a roller coaster this season. Once a projected lock for the top 15, Thompson has been losing credibility and plummeting down draft boards after an inconsistent showing in the National Championship against Clemson. The truth is, the entire Alabama team was not themselves that game so I can excuse one bad game and look at the rest of the film.
Thompson has the ability to do it all from the safety position. He has incredible range and closes on ball carriers in a hurry when coming downhill. He is listed at 6’2 and 196 pounds, and had an impressive showing as a first-year starter: 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 forced fumbles. There are some concerns about play recognition, but that should be something that develops as Thompson gets more playing time.
Honorable mention here to the two top corners in the draft: Greedy Williams from LSU and Byron Murphy from Washington. Either play would be an upgrade in the secondary, but I believe safety is the bigger need.
The Dark Horse selection: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
I can only imagine the reaction from Chiefs fans on Twitter from this one. The Chiefs offensive tackle situation is far from dire, and Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz are making good money to protect Patrick Mahomes. That said, both players are approaching 30 and could be cap casualties as Kansas City begins negotiations to lock up Mahomes. Specifically, Fisher would save $10 million or more in 2020 and 2021, if released after the 2019 season.
The Chiefs could elect to bring Dillard in as an understudy for one season before tasking the younger tackle with locking down the blindside. This would be an ideal situation for Dillard, who is an extremely athletic tackle with good tools but needs to develop his functional strength and add muscle to his frame.
Dillard fits the bill for an Andy Reid lineman: athletic, good in space, and effective in pass protection. The major concern is with Dillard’s strength and his run blocking, but a year in a professional weight room should help Dillard move toward answering that concern. Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs look to add an offensive tackle in the 2019 NFL Draft.