K.C. Chiefs: A multiple choice mock draft brings simulators together
Round 5 – Picks 175 and 181
(Pick Two)
A. Cornell Powell – WR – Clemson
Cornell Powell has solid size at 6-foot and 205 pounds. He has average deep speed and runs dependable routes, but he isn’t overly quick to create separation. However, he has great body control and tracks and catches the ball really well. He runs hard after the catch and is a good blocking receiver. Powell may not have number one receiver upside, but he’d be a reliable number two option with reliable hands and some big play ability down field thanks to his ability to track and go get the football.
B. John Bates – TE – Boise State
John Bates is one of the better inline blocking tight ends in this class. He’s a reliable safety valve as a dump off pass catcher, but his ability to get open against man coverage is limited. His upside is only a tight end #2, but that’s really all the Chiefs need with Travis Kelce on the roster.
C. Michal Menet – C – Penn State
Michal Menet is a technically sound center prospect who lacks the size and strength to be a top prospect at the position. I don’t know that Menet has the upside of a Pro Bowl caliber player, but his technique and football IQ may be good enough to make him a solid starter.
D. Josh Ball – OT – Marshall
This one is pretty simple. Josh Ball has the talent to be worth a much higher pick than this based on his combination of size, strength, athleticism, and experience starting at both right and left tackle. However, he had an ugly domestic violence incident in college. If the Chiefs look into it and find it is as bad as some reports indicate, they may justifiably take him off the board all together. If they feel he’s learned from the incident and that his character would not be a concern going forward, his talent would be a real value here.
E. Ernest Jones – LB – South Carolina
Ernest Jones is a tackling machine who averaged 8.7 tackles per game the past two seasons as South Carolina’s starting middle linebacker. His coverage and range limitations will prevent him from being a high pick in the draft, but if the Chiefs are looking for a day three pick who is strong enough against the run to play in Damien Wilson’s old spot and then come off the field on clear passing downs, Jones could be an option.
F. Jacoby Stevens – S – LSU
Jacoby Stevens may have trouble finding a full time starting job in the NFL as he is too small to be a full-time linebacker and lacks the range in coverage to be a true back end safety. However, the Chiefs have used Daniel Sorensen as a hybrid safety/linebacker for years now and Stevens is well suited to take that role over for him. He’s smart and a good tackler. He would also be an elite special teams contributor which is always valuable for draft picks in the later rounds.
Finally, here are a few options for KC’s final pick.