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2019 NFL Draft: AA writers rate the Kansas City Chiefs draft picks

By Lyle Graversen

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Mecole Hardman #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Mecole Hardman #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Round 2 – Pick 63 – Juan Thornhill – S – Virginia

Anticipated impact as a rookie: 8.3
Long term upside: 8.9
Overall excitement for the pick: 8.9

Juan Thornhill was the clear-cut winner as the highest all-around scoring pick of this draft class. Without giving away how all the other picks fared, Thornhill’s “anticipated impact as a rookie” score was almost two full points higher than the second highest scoring player in that area (Hardman) and that was Thornhill’s lowest score. The AA staff almost universally agrees that Thornhill will be the biggest contributor as a rookie, has a lot of long term upside, and were very excited about the pick in general.

"Juan Thornhill is interesting and needs to develop, but if Kansas City can stick to letting him play as a true free safety he has pro bowl potential. -Thomas Welte"

"Thornhill is the most immediate impact player for the Chiefs. With very good awareness and solid range on the back end, he will pair very nicely with Tyrann Mathieu. Additionally, his versatility is very valuable to a defense that is controlled by Steve Spagnuolo. Thornhill has a high floor and a relatively high ceiling. -Grant Tuttle"

My two cents: There were two picks in this draft that I absolutely loved and this was one of them. I had Juan Thornhill as the top safety on my “All Draft Crush Team” from last week and would have been thrilled if the Chiefs had taken Thornhill in the first round if they still had that pick. Not only do I believe Thornhill will be a day one starter for the Chiefs, but the versatility of both he and Tyrann Mathieu at safety will make it the most improved position on this team from last season by a very wide margin. I LOVE this pick.

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