Terez Paylor mock draft

[the Talking Can]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...le8872781.html

18 Chiefs

ILB Eric Kendricks, 6-0, 230, UCLA

The Chiefs probably wouldn’t mind scooping up any of the top three receivers — Cooper, White and Parker — or even Scherff, who figures to be a plug-and-play left guard. But all those guys are off the board here, and the widely-acknowledged first-round alternatives at those positions — Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess and Jaelen Strong at receiver and T.J. Clemmings, Ereck Flowers and Cedric Ogbuehi at offensive line — have question marks (for now).

But if the Chiefs address those positions with veterans in free agency, which might be the best option, given coach Andy Reid’s complicated playbook, that would allow general manager John Dorsey to take the best player at a position of need. Lanky Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes could be tempting, particularly with veteran Sean Smith set to hit free agency in a year, but inside linebacker is a bigger need right now, particularly if they fail to address it in free agency. Even if Derrick Johnson, 32, returns to his pre-injury form, this unit is in desperate need of young talent, and the best player on the board at this position is Kendricks, who a bonafide tackling machine who racked up a ridiculous 145 tackles in only 13 games this season.

Kendricks is not very big, so long-term durability is a concern, but his plus instincts, quickness and passion for the game would allow the two-time UCLA captain to be a plug-and-play, three-down weakside inside linebacker who can immediately help a leaky run defense. As long as Kendricks’ medical checks out, it would be a surprise if he lasts until the Chiefs’ pick in the second round.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...#storylink=cpy