2019 NFL Draft: 10 first round targets for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Grant Tuttle
PLAYERS WHO COULD FALL
The case for selecting Clelin Ferrell if he falls
Overview
This draft is loaded with talented EDGE players in the first couple rounds. Because of this, the Chiefs can be hopeful that one of them falls. Clelin Ferrell may just be that guy that falls all the way to 29, despite being a top 15 player in the draft.
Ferrell, like Brian Burns, has shown nothing but improvement during his time in college. Although he is not necessarily as athletic as most of the EDGE players projected to go in round one, he has very good technique that may put him ahead of the game. Ferrell finished his college career with 27 sacks, 34 quarterback hits and 79 hurries.
Fit with the Chiefs
Steve Spagnuolo and Brett Veach have shown an interest in players that can get immediate push up front. Ferrell is fairly long and can slide off blocks very well. He is a talented run stopper as well, which would make him even more attractive to a team like the Chiefs, who are trying to break the cycle of bad rush defense. Ferrell may have the best “fit” of any of the EDGE players that are projected to go in the first round.
How Clelin Ferrell could fall to pick 29
If the Chiefs want to get Ferrell at 29, they are going to be hoping that Daniel Jones, Dwayne Haskins, Kyler Murray, and Drew Lock all get selected before they pick. A run on quarterbacks in the top 15 could do wonders for Kansas City. The chances of Ferrell falling to 29 could also be increased by a run on offensive tackles, or guards. Best case scenario would be both position groups having a run in the top 20.
The case for selecting Devin Bush Jr. if he falls
Overview
The top end talent among linebackers in this class is somewhat slim. Devin Bush is a big fish in this small pond, but where he will fall is up for debate. As an athletic linebacker who flashes incredible speed and ball skills, he’s worthy a first round pick, but I believe he’s undeserving of a top 12 choice.
The position of linebacker is of lesser importance than a great EDGE or cornerback. There is always a case for a player like Bush falling further than many anticipate because of the emphasis on other groups of players in the first round. Bush’s talent and athleticism could not be overlooked if he, somehow, fell to the 29th overall pick.
Fit with the Chiefs
This one is a little tougher. Many like Dorian O’Daniel as the Chiefs WILL. For a player like Bush, this would normally be the spot you would expect him to play. If the Chiefs were to take him, he would likely have to be slotted in as the middle linebacker as he is too small to be a strongside guy and is a good pass defender.
How Devin Bush Jr. could fall to pick 29
While it would be admittedly unlikely, there is an outside chance that Bush falls strictly because there are players of more importance at the top of the first round. That being said, I believe that he will likely be a top 20 pick and the Chiefs will have no chance without a trade up, but you never know.