At what is perhaps the greatest area of concern on the roster, we continue our “fit” for each round series with the EDGE position.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still in need of someone to take the spot opposite of Frank Clark at the EDGE position. With a lot of names and mock drafts out there, we discuss players that would fit the Chiefs need at each level of the draft. With little-to-no word out there of the Chiefs bringing in a veteran in free agency or via trade, it appears likely that they will use the draft to improve this position.
Luckily, there is talent at several different levels in this draft. Brett Veach is notorious for finding “pockets” of players to maximize value in a draft class. Their are three tiers of EDGE players in this draft and it remains to be seen where Veach will use his draft capital on an EDGE. Here are our picks for fits in each round of the draft.
Likelihood of drafting: High
For whatever reason, Chiefs Kingdom is a little more sour on George Karlaftis than they should be. Is Karlaftis on the same level as Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson? No. Could he develop into a very good defensive end? Absolutely. Karlaftis is not necessarily flashy, but he is consistently good.
With a stout frame, Karlaftis is somewhat limited in his bend. While I would not call him, “stiff,” he is not the type of EDGE that runs around offensive tackles. That being said, he is a powerful EDGE with strong hands and good drive. With good technique, Karlaftis is able to extend and drive linemen backwards with ease. If he would have come down with a few more sacks in his career at Purdue, we may be looking at him as a top 15 pick. Instead, he has the potential to fall into Kansas City’s lap. If it comes to that, it seems likely that his fit will be impossible to pass up.
Likelihood of drafting: High
Logan Hall is a very good second round value. While it would be mildly surprising if he fell all the way to pick 50, it’s certainly not impossible. Hall is not a great run stuffer and would need a lot of work in this area, he is already a talented pass rusher. Standing 6’6, Hall is very good at using his length to move linemen and bend around them. With a motor that doesn’t quit, he is able to stay with plays and plays with a desperation that is obvious on tape.
Not only is his size appealing to Steve Spagnuolo, but his burst may be the best in the draft. When the ball is snapped, Hall explodes upfield and creates an immediate problem for passing offenses. If Hall could improve a bit on his technique and run stuffing, he will be a very good player in the NFL.
Likelihood of drafting: Medium
Sam Williams comes into this draft surrounded by question marks, but is not due to his play. Williams has had off-the-field issues that could propel him to be taken in day three. Whether the Chiefs should draft a player like Williams is up for debate. His fit, schematically, is not.
Williams has a lot of Frank Clark vibes and similarities. While not the fastest, Williams has very good size and is able to use his body to free himself of blockers with heavy hands. Whether by rips or swim moves, Williams is able to consistently make plays.
Likelihood of drafting: Medium
Barno may be gone well before the fourth round because of his excellent athletic testing. At 6’5 and 246 pounds, Amaré Barno ‘wowed’ scouts when he ran an incredible 4.36 second 40 yard dash. For reference, this was faster than wide receivers Garrett Wilson, George Pickens, Treylon Burks, and many others. Barno is clearly more of a finesse player than we are accustomed to seeing in Kansas City, but that doesn’t mean that he couldn’t be a fit in some capacity.
Barno has good quickness off of the line and his length is a great asset. This works very well for him because it does not require him to have great power in his frame or hands. With good bend around the edge, Barno is a “boom or bust” candidate. The Chiefs would be lucky to come away with him this late in the draft.
Likelihood of drafting: Low
Nebraska’s Ben Stille makes for an intriguing prospect. Stille is not super athletic, but has very good hands. With a quick jab, Stille can make room for himself to operate. His motor is very good and attacks the line of scrimmage with full vigor and plays all the way through the whistle. While he has been solid, he has never excelled to his full potential. With some NFL coaching Stille could eventually be a nice rotational piece.
Likelihood of drafting: Low
Jeremiah Moon is a very capable pass rusher, but failed to show up at times last season. While he has shown the ability of quickly making work of blockers, he occasionally looks like he is unwilling or uninterested. Moon’s best asset is his length. He can separate blockers well and has the ability to bend around the edge. Where he is lacking is in his power. He can get moved easier than you would anticipate, given his frame.
With some work in his technique and effort, Moon could be a very solid player. It would not be shocking to see him come off of the board earlier due to his potential. For Steve Spagnuolo and the Kansas City defense, Moon could make sense as a developmental piece.
Likelihood of drafting: Medium
Tyler Johnson is a project at best, but that is what the seventh-round is for. Johnson is an athlete that started his college career as a wide receiver before bulking up to be an EDGE defender. While he has a lot to learn, he does make sense as a practice squad or special teams type player. This one is a swing for the fences.