Looking at NFL Draft prospects being mocked to the Kansas City Chiefs

A.J. Epenesa – DL – Iowa

Mock Draft – USA Today – Luke Easterling – 3/21/2020

Other Players Available: Patrick Queen (LB, LSU), Zack Baun (LB, Wisconsin), Cesar Ruiz (IOL, Michigan), AJ Terrell (CB, Clemson), Jeff Gladney (CB, TCU), D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)

Much like K’Lavon Chaisson, Epenesa would be a great value pick at this spot, as many mocks have him going much higher than the 32nd pick. Unlike Chaisson, Epenesa makes a little more sense for the Chiefs thanks to his versatility along the defensive line.

Epenesa is listed at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. He’s a player that can both rush from the edge and kick inside in the NFL. He seems a lot like a guy that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love to have on his defensive line. He didn’t test great at the combine, but his tape shows a player that should go in the first round on the draft.

My Take On This Pick:

While defensive line isn’t at the top of my wish list for the Chiefs first round pick, I would be much happier with them taking Epenesa than either Blacklock or Chaisson. I believe he’s a much higher value pick than Blacklock and fits what the Chiefs need much better than Chaisson does.

That having been said, the fact that two of the top linebacker picks were still available in this mock draft make it a little less of a win for me. You still can’t argue with the value of Epenesa here (I don’t think he’ll actually make it this far), but I’d still prefer they take Patrick Queen over him.

Next up, a new toy for the offense.