2024 mock drafts give Chiefs plenty of defensive line help
By Matt Conner
Maason Smith, LSU, DL
If the Chiefs aren't too risk-averse with their first overall selection, they might like to come away with Louisiana State's Maason Smith.
As 6'6, 310 lbs. Smith is a big body in a big conference, but the problem is that he lacks enough game tape to really judge anything right now. That's what makes this year such an important season for his development and scouting reports. Smith missed everything after seven games his freshman season with a leg injury, and a torn ACL robbed him of his sophomore season completely.
So why would the Chiefs bother with a guy that big. Because Smith projects as a game-altering disruptor from the defensive interior, a guy who had 5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in only 7 games as a rotationally-utilized freshman. He's a solid run defender who could be an every-down versatile lineman with elite upside
The Draft Network's Damian Parson gives Smith to the Chiefs and writes, "Chris Jones is 1A-1B with Aaron Donald in regard to the best defensive tackles in football. That said, Maason Smith has the size/frame and athleticism to be a highly-disruptive defensive tackle. Putting him alongside Jones seems incredibly unfair."
Health will be the big factor here, but guys who project that well go early most years (e.g. Quinnen Williams). The Chiefs should want to take this risk if they can.