2023 NFL mock draft: Todd McShay gives Chiefs edge rusher in first round

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has the Kansas City Chiefs going with Auburn defensive end Derick Hall in the first round.

While the biggest questions facing the Kansas City Chiefs just switched to offensive tackle this week with the refusal of the team to use the franchise tag on Orlando Brown Jr., the truth is that defensive end is just as great of a need for the long-term. Since that’s what an NFL draft is intended to build, it makes sense that ESPN’s Todd McShay is giving the Chiefs an edge rusher in the first round of his latest mock draft.

Auburn pass rusher Derick Hall has been a name discussed with the Chiefs pick before, and McShay is bringing that into sharper focus by linking the Chiefs with Hall at the 31st overall selection. The Chiefs also met with Hall at the NFL Combine.

Hall was already a name to watch for K.C. considering that he’s put up solid pass rushing production to go with excellent run defense on tape. He put up great numbers at the Combine in Indianapolis—had the third-best time in the 10-yard split among edge rushers at 1.59 seconds—and he will be a potential starting player fairly quickly for the right team.

The questions surrounding Hall have largely to do with what most pass rushers need when entering the NFL: better technique, stronger build. There are bend/flexibility concerns, but we are discussing a pass rusher available at the bottom of the first instead of one taken in the top 10. Elite traits in those categories would take him off of the table for the Chiefs.

That said, Hall can be productive for K.C., especially as the team just released Frank Clark. With Carlos Dunlap also hitting free agency, only George Karlaftis and Mike Danna are back to guarantee any sort of solid production on the edges. The Chiefs will make multiple moves to replenish the position for another run, but a first-round pick might be one of them.