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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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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Hometown fans of the Tennessee Titans react after their first round pick of Jeffery Simmons is announced on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Hometown fans of the Tennessee Titans react after their first round pick of Jeffery Simmons is announced on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Round 3 – Pick 84 – Khalen Saunders – DT – Western Illinois

Anticipated impact as a rookie: 5.7
Long term upside: 9.0
Overall excitement for the pick: 8.4

While Khalen Saunders anticipated impact as a rookie didn’t score very high this was still the staff’s second favorite pick next to Juan Thornhill in terms of overall excitement for the pick. That’s saying something considering the fact that defensive tackle wasn’t seen as big of a need as other positions that the Chiefs could have addressed with this pick. Part of the reason the staff really liked this pick was Saunders’ long-term upside which just edged out Thornhill’s for the highest scoring of this draft class.

"Saunders is far and away my favorite pick in this draft. The defensive line was not necessarily in need of another rotational guy. That being said, the upside and talent that Saunders can bring on day one is incredible. His feet are very quick and he is incredibly athletic at 320 pounds. As a guy to bring in occasionally for Chris Jones, he makes a ton of sense for Kansas City. -Grant Tuttle"

"Khalen Saunders is an underrated get for Kansas City. Saunders should challenge Derrick Nnadi for reps and will likely see enough snaps in year 1 to be considered a starter. -Thomas Welte"

My two cents: It’s almost impossible not to love Khalen Saunders. From his personality to his back flips at 320+ pounds to his high school highlights as a 280 pound running back the guy is just easy to root for. He may be a little raw but I have faith in the Chiefs new defensive coaching staff to get the most out of Saunders. I really like the fact that he’s stout against the run but still has the athleticism to push the pocket and get some pressure on the quarterback. He may end up being just a rotational role player this season but in a couple of years he may just be a foundational part of this defense.

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