The Chiefs struggled defensively. Today we discuss Jerry Tillery who could help fix the defense now and for years to come.
Although it may be a bit unconventional, the Kansas City Chiefs may have an opportunity to add yet another talented defensive lineman in this draft. With the woes that the Chiefs had last year on the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs will likely be looking for the most talented defender on the board at the 29th overall pick. That man could be Jerry Tillery out of Notre Dame.
While I am well aware of the need at cornerback and safety and that the Chiefs already have talented players on the defensive line, the team will also be trying to acquire as many talented players as they can get their hands on for the new defense under the direction of Steve Spagnuolo. For the Chiefs, who reportedly plan on moving on from Justin Houston via trade or outright release, the Chiefs will be looking to add more pass rush and overall talent along the defensive line.
Jerry Tillery would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs defense. Mel Kiper recently rated him as the seventh best defensive tackle overall and a second round pick, but I fully expect him to be taken before the Chiefs 29th overall pick. Tillery’s skill set is similar to Chris Jones which may be extremely attractive to former Chiefs general manager John Dorsey and the Browns at pick 17.
If somehow Tillery is available for the Chiefs at 29, the Chiefs would be wise to select him. I believe that Tillery is quick enough to play any position on the defensive line in a 4-3 and in sub packages. While he primarily played defensive tackle at Notre Dame, the Chiefs could move him to the strongside defensive end spot and it would make a lot of sense for the evolution of the team’s new defense. Chris Jones teamed up with Jerry Tillery would only strengthen the team’s front seven. With more big-bodied guys, the linebacking corp may have more room to operate. This, in and of itself, would help fix the issue that the Chiefs have defending against the run.