2024 NFL Combine: Which defensive players the Chiefs should be watching

Linebacker

A fairly underwhelming LB group combined with the Chiefs' lack of need at the position makes this group a little hard to get excited about. Payton Wilson (NC State) is going to be a strong tester but his performance for teams in the medical examinations will be just as important. Without the injury history, he could easily be LB1 in the class.

Trevin Wallace (Kentucky) ranks 11 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks list, the former high school track star is at 242 pounds, but still runs 22 MPH on the GPS and vertical-jumps 38.5 inches. He could be a big winner this weekend. Jermiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson) could really benefit from some strong testing, he flashes at times with splash plays but can get thrown off easily by shifty runners.

Cornerback

A talented class, CB has a nice mixture of prospects for all types of schemes. At the top of the class Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) is expected to test well and could be CB1 of the class. The Alabama duo of Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry also will be in the mix for CB1. McKinstry particularly needs to show at least average long speed after he struggled with recovery this year. Nate Wiggins (Clemson) could be one of the fastest players at the Combine this week, but there are some play-strength questions. His weight and height will be important to keep him in first-round conversations.

Cam Hart (Norte Dame), another member of the Freaks List, has been clocked at over 23 MPH on GPS, squats over 500 lbs., and had a vertical leap of 38 inches. Depending on Hart's measurements, he could be a great fit for the Spagnuolo corner factory.

Andru Phillips (Kentucky) is another name I like for the Chiefs who could have a big weekend. A former triple-jump state champion, Phillips recently broke Dane Brugler's Top 100 and is quietly climbing up boards. He's slightly undersized, but if he can showcase NFL speed his coverage skills are exciting.

Safety

Jaden Hicks (Washington State) is quietly pushing to be the first safety drafted in this class. He missed the Senior Bowl due to an ankle sprain, but with a stature of 6'2", 215 lbs. with a reported 4.40 40-yard dash, he could push Minnesota's Tyler Nubin for top of the class.

Kamren Kinchens (Miami) had some of the best safety tape of the class in 2022 but took a step back this year (as much of the Miami defense did). He displays great instincts and reads the field well but is he quick enough? He needs to showcase at least average speed to back up his 2022 tape. Coaches will love his football character and intelligence.