#13 LSU at #8 Alabama 6:30pm (Arrowhead Time)
Who to watch: LSU DT Mason Smith
Earlier this week we mocked the fellow LSU defensive tackle Mehki Wingo to the Chiefs in the second round. The interior defensive line for the Tigers continues to be a strength with Mason Smith as well. Smith is a physical specimen that is incredibly enticing, and he will likely be an NFL Combine hero when the time comes His 6'5" frame holds 315 pounds well, and he looks lean and athletic despite his size. Smith suffered a major injury last year that he's struggled to come back from this year. He's slowly returning to form though, making a larger impact in the run each week. Smith has all the tools as a run-stopper; he just needs to continue his pass-rush development.
How he fits: Smith requires some significant projection, but his traits are undeniable. Smith, similar to Wingo and other current Chiefs defensive linemen, has inside/outside versatility. With the threat of losing Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi next offseason after already losing Keondre Coburn, the Chiefs could have lots of holes to fill at defensive tackle. There are not many interior players available who have true pass rush impact right away, and if they do, they go top 10 (Jalen Carter). The Chiefs will likely have to have more traditional run-stoppers on the inside moving forward.