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Kansas City Chiefs draft grade: High ceiling, high floor prospects on Day 2

By Grant Tuttle

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Brett Veach, General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs shakes hands with a fan before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Brett Veach, General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs shakes hands with a fan before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 13: Juan Thornhill #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers intercepts a pass in the second half during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Scott Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 13: Juan Thornhill #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers intercepts a pass in the second half during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Scott Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia – 63rd overall, 2nd round

Initial takeaway:

Everyone knew that the Chiefs still needed to improve in the back end of the defense. Thornhill has a legitimate shot at being the Chiefs starting free safety to pair with Tyrann Mathieu. This pick was about winning now and creating a versatile defense. Thornhill provides range and versatility that Spagnuolo and the Chiefs will love.

Positives from the pick:

Thornhill is a true all-around safety prospect. He is rangy and can close on receivers in a hurry, and he can attack running backs. He can play in the box or at slot corner if needed. Honestly, if you were hoping for a safety, Thornhill can do it all.

Negatives from the pick:

If I had one complaint about Thornhill’s game, it would be his lack of explosiveness. While he makes good reads and can make tackles at the line of scrimmage, he does not pack much of a punch with his closing speed. He likes to tackle in one on one situations and does not love taking on blockers and it shows from time to time.

Grade: A-

Thornhill gets a high grade from me because of his solid play and fit with the Chiefs. This pick made too much sense and I think that he will make an immediate impact. The combination of Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill may be one that terrifies quarterbacks for years to come.

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