2022 NFL Draft: Edge rushers worth targeting by KC Chiefs

Cameron Thomas – San Diego State

• 6-foot-4
• 267 pounds
• 32.5-inch arms

If the Chiefs come out of the first round without drafting an edge player, San Diego State’s Cameron Thomas would be my top target in the second round. That may surprise some people as Thomas hasn’t been talked about much during the pre-draft process and some places have a third-round grade on him. However, I personally think Thomas may be closer to a first-round prospect than a third-round one. Plus, Thomas fits the mold of a Steve Spagnuolo defensive end. His arms may be a half-inch shorter than he would like, but other than that he fits the profile perfectly.

The reason I believe Thomas is being undervalued is that I think he’s being incorrectly labeled as “tight” or a power-only rusher like Karlaftis. I think Thomas shows more bend and athleticism than others do. If a hamstring injury hadn’t kept him sidelined for the Senior Bowl and combine, I think he would have generated more buzz. If the Chiefs (or any other NFL team) feel the same way as I do he may not make it to the Chiefs at pick #50. Thomas has good length and a high motor. He racked up a whopping 71 tackles last season alone to go along with his 20.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He’s also a good run defender that can work his way down the line to opposing ball carriers.

The other thing that Spagnuolo will like about Thomas is that he can kick inside to rush the passer as well. He just feels like a natural fit for the Chiefs to me. I’d love him at pick #50, I would be fine if they traded up from pick #50 to make sure they got him, and frankly if they shocked the world and took him at pick #30 at the back end of the first round I wouldn’t be mad about it. Now don’t get me wrong, I think that’s a little too early, but not by as much as the typical fan does. Regardless of where he gets picked, I think Thomas could be a starter or at worst a rotational contributor from day one.

Don’t Just Take My Word For It

I think the following quotes from TheDraftNetwork.com’s profile of Thomas describe why he would be a good fit in KC:

"He not only wins with pure hustle and motor, but combines it with very good hands and an understanding of leverage…..In the NFL, he is ideally suited as a 4-3 DE. However, he will be impactful as an interior rusher in sub-packages. He is versatile enough to align in various positions on third downs."

In the tweet below you can see Thomas’ lateral agility as he works across the front of the right guard and gets the hit on the quarterback.

Check out some of Thomas’ highlights HERE.

Finally, if the Chiefs are on the board at pick #50, haven’t drafted an edge player yet, and Cam Thomas is already off the board, then there’s one more guy that I think could start for KC as a rookie.