The NFL Combine is complete, and it's time to overreact to everything we saw. In all seriousness, the Combine does provide key informational checkpoints for the draft process. It's an opportunity to match the tape with measurements and, of course, check for injuries. There were lots of key takeaways from the Combine—be sure to check out our draft show, The Intangibles, for more of our Combine reactions.
A reminder that a mock draft is not about creating a "dream come true" scenario but rather about exploring options. What happens in various scenarios is exactly what NFL teams are doing as they prepare for the draft. Be sure to bookmark our Chiefs-specific big board, as we continue to add scouting reports to it daily.
Round 1, Pick 31- Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
Surprise! Not a tackle! While every person in the world is mocking some offensive tackle to the Chiefs at No. 31, here they get another big need.
Walter Nolen is a bit of a question mark coming out of the Combine, as he chose not to test. There have also been some questions about his character—nothing serious, just concerns about how much he loves the game. That being said, these are the only reasons why a talent like him is still available here. Nolen has a tremendous skill set and is explosive from the interior defensive line spot.
Nolen is a "bet on the upside" type of player. His profile is based on explosiveness and shooting gaps. He has snaps where he looks like the best player on the field; however, those flashes aren't as consistent as you'd like to see. As a run defender, he's adequate but is susceptible to getting stacked in the run game and against double teams. The good news for the Chiefs and Nolen is that, playing beside Chris Jones, he's not likely to see many double teams. The Chiefs' interior needs an injection of youth and explosiveness—Nolen raises both the ceiling and the floor.
Shades of: Devonta Wyatt
Round 2, Pick 63- Cameron Williams, Offensive tackle, Texas
It feels like the Chiefs are destined to invest in the tackle position at some point in this draft. The problem is that there's just a very slim chance the Chiefs will walk away with a Day 1 starting left tackle from this class. That being said, Cameron Williams is a classic example of a project tackle who fits the Chiefs' thresholds. The Chiefs had a formal meeting with Williams at the Combine, and there's a reason why. At 6'5", 317 lbs., with 34.5-inch arms and 11 3/8-inch hands, Williams has unteachable size and length, making him a high-level fit for the Chiefs.
That being said, most thought Williams should've returned for another year of school as a one-year starter. As a run blocker, he's a strong presence who loves to finish with violence. His pass sets are inconsistent, and his hand usage needs work. He was fighting a knee injury that clearly limited his mobility. Williams should not be considered a Year 1 starter, but his traits are worth developing. With the news of Trey Smith possibly sticking in KC long-term, Williams can be the future at right tackle on an affordable rookie contract.
Shades of: Larmey Tunsil
Round 3, Pick 66- Jaylin Noel, Wide Receiver, Iowa State
The Cyclone tandem of Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins both made themselves some serious money in Indianapolis. Noel showed out with some elite testing numbers at a fairly compact 5'10", 192 lbs. Nobody is going to mistake Noel for a contested-catch ball-winner, but his frame is dense enough that he can win on the outside and out of the slot. Noel was highly productive year after year for Iowa State. He's a high-level separator who wins with both quickness and route running. He also comes up with a surprising amount of contested catches despite his smaller size.
Noel did have some frustrating drops over his career, and there can still be some questions about his long speed. While he turned in a very solid 40-yard dash (4.39), he can be chased down from behind on the field. Noel fits a mold the Chiefs like at receiver: separation and speed. Noel brings speed, athleticism, and youth to the Chiefs' wide receiver corps—something they continue to need. Even with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the offense needs to continue to feel dangerous.
Shades of: Golden Tate
Round 3, Pick 95- Jared Ivey, Edge, Ole Miss
When it comes to Jared Ivey, three words come to mind: strength, length, and versatility—all things the Chiefs love in their defensive linemen. As a fifth-year senior, Ivey has improved year after year in both pass rush production and run defense. You can find lots of reps of Ivey rushing from the B-gap effectively while providing high-level run defense. As a pass rusher, he might not be able to dictate to high-level tackles, but he can push the pocket and also diversify your front. His versatility is a big part of his draft profile.
There are a lot of similarities between Ivey's profile and Charles Omenihu’s. Omenihu has more bend, but Ivey feels like a high-floor prospect to be taken at the end of Round 3. He'll turn 25 during his rookie season and did play on a defense full of studs, but the profile and the length are worth the bet. The Chiefs need depth at edge rusher, especially with Felix Anudike-Uzomah not taking the next step. At worst, Ivey can be rotational depth and could be a major snap-getter in his rookie year.
Shades of: Denico Autry
Round 4, Pick 132- RJ Harvey, Running Back, UCF
Everywhere you look in this class, there's another highly talented running back prospect. Harvey is yet another example of a highly productive (back-to-back seasons with over 1,600 total yards) and highly athletic back in this class. Harvey runs with a low center of gravity at 5'8" but is still solidly built at 209 lbs. He rarely goes down on first contact, and his quick feet make it easy for him to bounce in and out of running lanes. With over 60 catches in his three years as a starter, he's been productive in the passing game as well.
Harvey does have some ball security issues, with five fumbles over the last two seasons. Despite his production in the passing game, he's not currently an NFL-quality pass protector. He has run a nice mix of outside-zone and gap runs at UCF, which should make him a nice fit in the Chiefs' offense. Harvey can share the workload with Isiah Pacheco and emerge as a lead back due to injury or as Pacheco hits free agency.
Shades of: Justice Hill
Round 7, Pick 256- Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
Lindenberg is an experienced linebacker with five years of playing time. He's a strong mover downhill with above-average play recognition and emerging skills in coverage. He locates the ball well, uses his acceleration to cut off run lanes, and is a strong tackler. However, he struggles to stack blocks, particularly when offensive linemen reach the second level. Injuries have also been an issue throughout his career—his tape is much better than a seventh-round pick, but he has struggled to stay on the field.
The Chiefs need linebacker depth, and Lindenberg can provide that while developing into a potential starter. Like most linebackers, he can be a Day 1 special teams contributor and hopefully develop into a starter or role player.
Shades of: Kiko Alonso
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