What a seven-round Chiefs 2019 NFL draft class might resemble

DAY THREE

Fifth Round, No. 167 overall

The Pick: Te’von Coney, LB, Notre Dame

We say: It’s hard not to love some additional competition among linebackers given how much they struggled in 2018. Part of that might have been Bob Sutton’s usage, but adding Coney, a tackling machine from Notre Dame, will provide serious boost in competition.

Coney led the Fighting Irish in tackles over the last two seasons, but he won’t have nearly that sort of playing time at the next level. He’s a thumper a la Reggie Ragland and will fight for those reps here, but he’s very intelligent and comes with a lot of experience. Could earn snaps as quickly as anyone in this draft class even in limited doses.

Sixth Round, No. 201 overall

The Pick: Mark Fields, CB, Clemson

We say: Solid bet. Fields is projected as a late pick or even priority free agent. Not a lot of game tape due to the fact that he only started six games at Clemson in four years, but an injury cost him a starting spot his junior year and the Tigers depth never let him reclaim it. Lack of experience has cost him developmental time, but as a sixth round corner, he can bloom on special teams until the team can see what he can do (e.g. Tremon Smith). He was a highly-touted recruit for good reason.

Sixth Round, No. 214 overall

The Pick: Malik Reed, LB, Nevada

We say: Thrilled. A fringe prospect rising up draft boards due to a strong showing at the NFLPA Bowl who had meetings with every team and some who were obviously very interested (Jags, Colts, Jets). At 6’1, 250 lbs., he comes with experience at defensive end and outside linebacker for Nevada, but Reed says his feedback from the league is as a 4-3 SAM. Sneaky pass rushing talent and strong effort will help him find a home on special teams and these are the hopeful risks you take in the sixth.

Seventh Round, No. 216 overall

The Pick: Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern

We say: It takes seriously positive projections to even get Thorson as a No. 2 quarterback at the NFL level, so we’ll likely pass on this particular candidate even if he looks the part. Even after four years, Thorson was barely over 60% on his throws for Northwestern with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Yeah.

However, we applaud the pick’s intention which is to bring in some developmental talent at quarterback. After Mahomes, the Chiefs have Chad Henne and then Chase Litton, who came in last year as an undrafted free agent. Bringing in potential at the game’s most important position is a good practice.