Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Mel Kiper projects Jonathan Taylor to KC Chiefs in latest mock draft

By Kelly Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball in the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball in the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

ESPNs Mel Kiper, Jr. released his final mock draft of the year this morning and projected Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor to the Chiefs

ESPN Senior Draft Analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. released his fifth and final mock draft of the 2020 draft cycle Thursday morning. In it, he has your Kansas City Chiefs selecting a new offensive weapon for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.

On Taylor, Kiper says, “Taylor was prolific for the Badgers, and his 4.39 40-yard dash time at the combine opened some eyes. Kansas City hasn’t picked a running back in the first round since Larry Johnson in 2003.”

Taylor is an interesting, but not terribly surprising choice by Kiper. Many in the national media have projected for weeks that Kansas City will select a running back in the first round.

Kiper’s projection comes after a week which has seen the Chiefs draft decisions analyzed from all angles: a trade for a veteran running back has been a central debate, as has trading up for another burner receiver. Kansas City could also choose to trade back of course,  select an offensive lineman, or trade a veteran like Chris Jones for more draft capital. Of course, they could do none of these things and surprise us all, too!

While running back is not a significant position of need for Kansas City, it is an interesting and exciting option for Reid’s offense. The team currently has Super Bowl LIV standout (and snubbed SB MVP) Damien Williams as their lead back heading in to 2020. They have also added free agent DeAndre Washington this offseason, and will pair them with last year’s sixth round pick, Darwin Thompson. To round out the regular rotation, the Chiefs return veteran, and well known Chief running back Darrel Williams. The depth chart also consists of 2019 practice squad players Mike Weber and Elijah McGuire.

Tune in Thursday night to Round 1 of the NFL Draft. For news and notes on when the draft occurs and where to watch, check our handy cheat sheet for Chiefs fans here.

The official Arrowhead Addict mock draft. dark. Next

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Draft