2020 NFL Draft: Complete first round mock delivers pass rusher to Chiefs

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Yetur Gross-Matos DE, Penn State

Analysis by Arrowhead Addict contributor Thomas Welte

This pick will undoubtedly come as a surprise to many in Chiefs Kingdom, but a combination of value and need overlaps for Kansas City to snag the Penn State defensive end. Brett Veach and his staff ought to be prepared for this scenario: The top linebackers and corners are off the board here. Some may make the case for Clemson cornerback AJ Terrell, but there are concerns about Terrell’s game that should push him out of the first round.

A lot of people will mock a running back here, but that seems unlikely. Andy Reid seems content with the running back by committee strategy employed and can hold off on grabbing a runner for later in the draft, or lure in an undrafted free agent.

Grant Delpit is an interesting option—but unlikely. Delpit was once considered a lock for a top 10 selection, but injury concerns and questions about his tackling ability have left his draft stock in a free fall. Linebacker Zach Baun is another name that some associate with the Chiefs, but Baun is a tweener and lacks the athletic profile to be on the field for three downs as a linebacker.

That leads us to Yetur Gross-Matos, defensive end from Penn State. Gross-Matos is built to play defensive end in a 4-3 at 6 foot 5 inches and 266 pounds. Gross-Matos is often labeled as raw, but his potential at 22 years old is substantial. The former Nittany Lion did not run at the combine, and only put up 21 reps on the bench press. That said, he impressed in the broad jump and vertical jump both of which validate the explosiveness that often flashed on film. Gross-Matos does a phenomenal job of playing heads up football and has some of the best hustle tape of this year’s class. The tools are all there for Yetur Gross-Matos to emerge as a premier defensive player, and the Kansas City coaching staff should be up to the challenge of making that a reality.

A final note, Yetur Gross-Matos comes off as a disciplined and driven young man who loves the game of football, his personality and character will check the boxes that Andy Reid and Brett Veach are looking for in the locker room. (Thomas Welte)

Other Players Considered: CB AJ Terrell, RB Jonathan Taylor, FS Grant Delpit, RB D’andre Swift, LB Zach Baun