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KC Chiefs address biggest needs in 7-round post-Combine mock draft

By KC Proctor

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Brett Veach of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Brett Veach
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Brett Veach of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Brett Veach /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Ko Kieft #42 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Kerby Joseph #25 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Golden Gophers 14-6. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Ko Kieft #42 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Kerby Joseph #25 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Golden Gophers 14-6. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

3.94 Kerby Joseph (S); Illinois

On the heels of the Tyrann Mathieu announcement that he’d be testing free agency, the safety position became one of the most pressing issues in need of solution for the Chiefs this offseason.

Regardless your opinion of his play, it is well known that Mathieu has been the lifeblood of the locker room since he arrived in Kansas City. Andy Reid famously referred to him on the sideline as, “the best in the business” on the NFL films coverage of Super Bowl 54. Should he find what he desires in free agency and walk away from the Chiefs, there will be an intangible void to fill not just on the defense, but behind the scenes for this team as a whole.

Kerby Joseph was not named a team captain of the Illinois football team in his junior campaign, but was in line to become one as a senior had he chosen to return to school for his final collegiate season. Fortunately for us, he declared for the draft. In 2021, Joseph’s 5 interceptions in the regular season were tied for most in the country, and his 3 fumble recoveries were tied for third. He was All-Big Ten first team, and was graded the number 1 overall defensive back of the regular season by PFF.

There is good deal of talk among Chiefs Kingdom about Jalen Pitre (Baylor), and for good reason, but Kerby Joseph seems to be as polished a defensive back as the Chiefs could get with a third-round pick. Pitre has ballhawk tendencies and is a tick ahead of Joseph on the blitz, but Joseph led the nation in interceptions this past season, and his tape highlights his rare ability to always be around the football. This kid has great length, is athletic in space, and his overall upside would be an excellent addition to the safety room.

Measurables

  • Height: 6’1″
  • Weight: 200
  • Arms: 33 1/4″
  • Hands: 10 1/2″

Combine results

  • 40-yard dash: DNP
  • Vertical jump: 38.5″
  • Broad jump: 123″
  • Bench press: 18

6.10 prospect grade

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