2021 NFL Draft: Second round targets for the KC Chiefs

Edge Players

I have a theory about this draft class. I don’t believe this is a great year for elite pass rushing prospects. I just don’t think we’re going to see any pass rushers go in the first half of the first round. That would mean that all of the guys that are currently being labeled first-round prospects are going to go in the second half of the first round and early second round, which then means there is a chance that some of the guys being talked about as late first/early second round could fall all the way to the Chiefs at the back end of the second round. While I don’t think there is any chance that all four of these guys make it to the Chiefs, I do think it is entirely possible that one or two of them do.

Gregory Rousseau – Miami

Gregory Rousseau is a guy some are talking about as a late first-round prospect, but after sitting out 2020 and letting his teammate Jaelan Phillips take the spotlight, he could see his stock drop a little. Rousseau has great length that allowed him to rush both on the outside and inside in college, but at just 266 pounds, some teams may not think that will work in the NFL. With other prospects showing more explosive speed, teams may target edge players who are either faster or bigger/stronger than a “tweener” like Rousseau. However, I think Steve Spagnuolo is exactly the type of defensive coordinator that might be thrilled to get his hands on Rousseau and move him all around K.C.’s front should he fall in this draft.

Joe Tryon – Washington

You could apply a lot of what I just said about Rousseau to Joe Tryon as well, including opting out of the 2020 season and not having the size to be a true inside/outside pass rusher. Still, Tryon has really tempting tools, and while it hasn’t led to the type of college production that Rousseau had in 2019, he looks like a guy that has the potential to be a major force on the outside if he puts it all together. Again, if edge players in general slip a little in this draft, a guy that is more potential than production like Tryon could fall right into the Chiefs lap.

Carlos Basham Jr. – Wake Forrest

I think Carlos “Boogie” Basham should be a first-round pick as he’s a guy that can both play as a power/speed combo edge player or a pass rushing defensive interior man. At 6-foot-3 and 274 pounds he would give the Chiefs a force on the edge opposite Frank Clark on early downs and could kick inside on passing downs as well. I love his tape and don’t understand why he is being projected where he is, but if the rest of the NFL wants to sleep on Basham, I would be thrilled to see him end up in K.C.—as would defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo who could use him all over the Chiefs defensive front.

Payton Turner – Houston

Payton Turner is another large edge prospect at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds who has the upside to play on both the outside and inside along the defensive line. Turner would be an instant upgrade on early downs against the run, but also offers some pass rush upside. While he isn’t an explosive player that wins with pure speed, his non-stop motor and power allows him to get constant pressure on the quarterback, even if it doesn’t lead to huge sack totals. I think Turner makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs and probably has the best odds of still being available when the Chiefs are on the clock in the second round.

Next up, let’s look at some linebacker options.