The Chiefs invested one of their first-round picks last year in the EDGE position and signed Charles Omenihu. Could they add another? We discuss their options.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been investing in the EDGE position. After drafting George Karlaftis a year ago and signing Charles Omenihu this offseason, it is not an obvious area of concern. With that in mind, the Chiefs could certainly be interested in adding more young pieces for depth and as rotational pieces. A team can never have too many talented pass-rushers in today’s NFL.
So, who’s available? We have compiled a list of potential fits for every round of this year’s draft. Without further ado, we start with their round-one option.
Round 1: Keion White, Georgia Tech
Keion White is a young, extremely athletic, and long defensive end prospect. While he is pretty raw and inexperienced, his blend of size and athleticism is difficult to find. With a good first step and powerful hands, White is a difficult task for many offensive tackles. While his technique needs some refining and development, the potential is obvious.
White has been a divisive player in the predraft process. For the Chiefs, grabbing White in the first round would certainly be a gamble, but it could be one that paid off in a big way for their young defense. White could be rotated in on obvious passing downs and Charles Omenihu could be kicked inside to defensive tackle.
Round 2: Colby Wooden, Auburn
The Chiefs could use a Frank Clark replacement. Colby Wooden projects more as a rotational piece that could play early downs at EDGE and kick inside to defensive tackle when needed. He would make for an interesting piece of the equation on the Kansas City front that would complement the play style of George Karlaftis. Additionally, he would be a great fit for what Steve Spagnuolo prefers in his defensive front.
Wooden has a really strong lower half that makes him difficult to move in the rushing game. Further, he has flashed some capability in his pass-rushing ability. He lacks true consistency in his technique and could look really good with a few years of NFL experience and coaching. While he is not as athletic as Frank Clark, he could take over his role in short order. It would not be surprising if the Chiefs were very intrigued by what Wooden could bring to their defense.
Round 3: Mike Morris, Michigan
There is an obvious trend in the types of EDGE rushers that the Chiefs find themselves interested in. Oftentimes, Steve Spagnuolo and the defensive coaching staff look for powerful rushers that have good length. Mike Morris fits the mold perfectly. With a similar look to that of George Karlaftis, Morris is knocked for his lack of bend/flexibility. That, however, should not overpower the emphasis on the top-notch effort he plays with on every down.
Similarly to Karlaftis, Morris never quits. He seems to play like every down is the most important moment of the game. He could be yet another versatile piece of the defensive front. While he is not overtly explosive or hyper-athletic, his growth cannot be understated throughout his career. For a player that could fill in at any position along the line, Morris would make for an intriguing third-round option.
Round 4: Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss
Tavius Robinson is one of those guys that could be boom or bust. In the 4th round, drafting someone for their potential is the name of the game. At 6’6, 257 pounds, Tavius Robison flashes greatness in his ability to get around the edge. While his play strength leaves a little to be desired, Robinson has good athleticism.
For the Chiefs, Robinson would make for an interesting rotational piece. While Omenihu and Karlaftis have the EDGE positions down, Robinson could provide a snap here and there and possibly develop into a solid starter one day.
Round 5: Robert Beal Jr., Georgia
The Chiefs are always looking to dial up interesting coverages and blitzes. In round 5, Robert Beal Jr. is an intriguing Swiss army knife addition. While he would be best suited for a base 3-4 defense, he has a very solid tackling ability with surprising playing speed. If the Chiefs wanted to drop Beal back into the linebacking corps, it could make some sense.
While his play was overshadowed by some of the tremendous stars that played at Georgia, Beal plays downhill and is not afraid to showcase his physicality. While the Chiefs could only use him in sub packages at EDGE, he could be an interesting piece for a developmental SAM linebacker.
Round 6: Yaya Diaby, Louisville
Yaya Diaby turned some heads this offseason with his performance in his athletic testing. While you can see flashes of it on tape, what sticks out most is Diaby’s powerful hands. He consistently showcases a playing strength that is surprising considering his smaller frame.
It would not be surprising if Diaby went before the 6th round due to the potential he has. With tremendous athletic testing and power, he is the type of player that will make general managers think that they need to take a second look. For the Chiefs, that upside would certainly be worth a 6th round pick if he falls there.
Round 7: Lonnie Phelps, Kansas
While the Kansas defense as a whole was not very good, there were a few parts of it that flashed talent. Perhaps the best player on that defense was Lonnie Phelps. Phelps led the charge and seemed to be the leader with a natural pass-rushing ability. With that in mind, there were games where Phelps would look completely overpowered. With a smaller frame, it seems unlikely that Phelps will ever be an NFL starter. That, however, does not make him an undraftable player in the 7th.