2021 NFL Draft: K.C. Chiefs show interest in linebacker Isaiah McDuffie

The K.C. Chiefs have a few significant holes to fill, but one position that could use some more young talent is linebacker. Fortunately the Chiefs have shown some interest in a promising young prospect from Boston College in Isaiah McDuffie.

Draft analyst Justin Melo recently noted that McDuffie has met virtually with a number of NFL teams who’ve shown some interest, including the Chiefs. Other teams to also hold such meetings include the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and several more franchises.

McDuffie is a junior linebacker who decided last December to go ahead and declare early for the draft to join this year’s class and forgo his senior season. He burst onto early boards for pro scouts back in 2018 with an exceptional sophomore season that showcased his physical style and strong tackling ability. B.C.’s linebackers got a bit too much action from opposing offenses, but it gave scouts plenty of tape to appreciate McDuffie’s admirable athleticism and overall skill set.

That said, a knee injury forced him to miss most of the following year and it wasn’t until this season that he was able to generate some of the buzz lost coming into the 2020 season. He finished this last year with 107 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.

The K.C. Chiefs have met virtually with linebacker Isaiah McDuffie.

Scouting reports he’s got a long way to go in terms of the mental side of the game, but that will come with experience and coaching, For now, at least he would be expected to learn behind others and play a role on special teams.

As for the Chiefs, further youth and talent at linebacker would be welcome at a position where the Chiefs already began to invest last year. Willie Gay, Jr. should take on a much more prominent role as a second-year player after being taken in the second round last season. The Chiefs just lost Damien Wilson in free agency (unless they decide to re-sign him) but the team also has Anthony Hitchens and Ben Niemann back in the fold from last season.

For a Day 3 selection who could come in and apprentice for a year, McDuffie is the sort of developmental linebacker who could yield significant dividends down the road.