Why KC Chiefs could go defensive tackle in the first round

Likely Second Round Options

It’s not impossible that the three players listed here could slide into the first round if a team (like the Chiefs) really likes them, but they are more likely to be second-round options. Each of these three offers something different for the Chiefs.

Calijah Kancey – Pittsburgh

Pitt’s Calijah Kancey is an interior pass rush specialist. At 6’0″ even and 280 pounds he is definitely undersized for the position. Fans of Kancey will point out that another undersized defensive tackle from Pitt that was great at getting after the quarterback in college turned out to be the best defensive tackle of the past decade. However, while I’m a big fan of Kancey’s interior pass rush, I just don’t see him developing into an every-down player that could play the run, especially next to a player like Chris Jones.

If K.C. drafted Kancey I would see it as them upgrading the role filled on passing plays by Turk Wharton before he got injured in the short term and potentially as a long-term replacement for Jones. Kancey could play an important role as a rookie, but the players on the previous page compliment Jones better and if they hit their ceiling would have more three-down upside.

Tuli Tuipulotu – USC

Depending on where you are looking, USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu may be listed as either a defensive end or a defensive tackle. He played more on the outside at USC where he put up 12.5 sacks last season. However, his 6-foot-4 and 290-pound frame looks more like a defensive tackle. The Trojans did move him all around the defensive front at times and that definitely seems like something that might appeal to Steve Spagnuolo.

While Tuipulotu did show an unusual ability to find success as an outside pass rusher at his size in college, I’m not sure that will translate to the NFL. I do think he could set the edge and play the run as a defensive end on early downs in KC’s defense and then kick inside on passing downs. The Chiefs would still need an early down defensive tackle to pair with Jones, but I can’t help but think Tuipulotu’s versatility will appeal to them.

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Keeanu Benton – Wisconsin

If the Chiefs want a physical run-stopper to pair with Jones on early downs, Keeanu Benton could be a great second-round pick. It would feel like a reach to take him in the first, but if he continues to develop his technique and pass-rush moves I think he has the physical tools to be a three-down player in the NFL. I don’t know if he has the upside of the other players on this list, but I think he’ll be a really solid pro.

It feels like Benton’s power has been so overwhelming for most of his career that he hasn’t really had to refine his technique. He plays too high at times and will get washed out of plays in the NFL if he doesn’t get low and anchor more consistently. He also doesn’t seem to have much of a pass-rush plan other than just overpowering his blocker. How high a team should consider taking him will be based on how coachable they think he is to maximize his physical tools.

So there you have it Chiefs fans. Those are some prospects that the Chiefs could consider in the first (or second) round if defensive tackle continues to be a major hole on the roster. While it easy to focus on positions like offensive tackle, wide receiver, and defensive end when looking at early draft picks for the Chiefs I don’t think fans should overlook defensive tackle. Depending on how free agency pans out, it is quite possible that defensive tackle could be one of K.C.’s biggest needs in the draft.

So what do you think? Are you going to be keeping a close eye on the defensive tackles at the combine this week? Do you think its possible that KC targets one of these prospects early in the draft? Would you prefer they focus on other positions early on and hope that some cheap signings and mid round picks is enough to fill the position? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.