*** 2016 Prospect Tracker: Chiefs Interest / Visits / Work Outs ***

[Dante84]

Well, this thread was delayed a few weeks this year, due to our unlikely playoff run. And thank goodness for that.

But here we are again - 5th year in a row tracking the college players the Chiefs have publicly or privately expressed interest in leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft.

Here's how we did last year.

For those who are new, the way this operates is that we collectively monitor various social media sources, blogs, articles and reports for news of the Chiefs' interest in a certain player. When posted in this thread, I will update the OP to include the player. *Please provide the link to the article, the players name, position and team.

I am going to try to link to player profiles when they exist, courtesy of draftbreakdown.com. For some of the lesser-known guys, it may just be a random video or profile from their team website.

Let's meet some of our future Chiefs:

2016 Draft - Chiefs Prospect Tracker

Offense
QB
Carson Wentz, NDSU
Kevin Hogan, Stanford
Paxton Lynch, Memphis

RB
Will Ratelle, FB, North Dakota State
Darrian Miller, Northern Iowa

WR
Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Michael Thomas, Ohio State
Quenton Bundrage, Iowa State
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Mitch Mathews, BYU
Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri State
Moritz Boehringer, Germany
Ryan Burbring, Bowling Green
Robby Anderson, Temple
Demarcus Robinson, Florida


TE


OT
Vadal Alexander, LSU
Caleb Benenoch, UCLA
Stephane Nembot, Colorado
David Hedelin, Purdue

G
Blake Muir, Baylor
Jake Bernstein, Vanderbilt

C
Evan Boehm, Missouri

Defense
CB
Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
Juston Burris, NC State
Maurice Canady, Virginia
Xavien Howard, Baylor
Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
Jonathan Jones, Auburn
William Jackson III, Houston
Kalan Reed, Southern Miss
Elie Bouka, Calgary
Arjen Colquhoun, Michigan State
Deiondre' Hall, Northern Iowa
Morgan Burns, Kansas State *Return Specialist

S
Vonn Bell, Ohio State
T.J. Green, Clemson
Derrick Kindred, TCU
Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State

OLB
Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech
De'Vondre Campbell, Minnesota
Quentin Gause, Rutgers
Perez Ford, Northern Illinois
Jatavis Brown, Akron
Stephen Weatherly, Vanderbilt
Terrance Smith, FSU

ILB
Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Blake Martinez, Stanford
Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Josh Forrest, Kentucky
Su'a Cravens, USC

DE
Austin Johnson, Penn State
Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
Bronson Kaufusi, Brigham Young
Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
Roy Robertson-Harris, UTEP

DT
Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
Kyle Peko, Oregon State
Destiny Vaeao, Washington State
David Onyemata, Manitoba

Special Teams
P


K

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by staylor26

I disagree that he can't have a day 1 impact, but you don't draft DL for year one. All of those things are very coachable for a guy that big that can penetrate and be disruptive like he was this past year. I'll take a 6'6" 308 lb "Malik Jackson" type all day.

Malik Jackson went 5th round and basically red shirted his rookie year. I dont' see Jones going quite that late, but that's kinda where I'm going with it. I like Jones alot, just not on board before round 3 because I don't think he's a guy you can't rely on to be that much of a situational player right out of the gate.

Guys like Adolphus Washington that already play with great pad level and use their hands well plus have that same athleticism, those are the guys you take in the first 2 rounds.

[RunKC]

Jihad Ward projected to us by Kiper. Hmm I liked him as a 2nd Rd option. Seems like a bigger version of Sheldon Rankins but won't provide as much of an immediate impact (but should still be productive).

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Jihad Ward projected to us by Kiper. Hmm I liked him as a 2nd Rd option. Seems like a bigger version of Sheldon Rankins but won't provide as much of an immediate impact (but should still be productive).

I really like Ward, but as a 3rd rounder. I almost put him in my last mock. He's a solid player. He's much better against the run than rushing the passer, but the scheme KC has doesn't ask their DEs to collapse the pocket as much as they do set the edge and occupy blockers.

[jonzie04]

Saw this pop up on arrowhead addict.

Per my guy @eric_adelson #Saints #Bears #Chargers #Packers #Chiefs & #Raiders have all reached out to QB Carson Wentz's HS coach for info.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 22, 2016

[ChiefAshhole1056]

Originally Posted by jonzie04

Saw this pop up on arrowhead addict.

Per my guy @eric_adelson #Saints #Bears #Chargers #Packers #Chiefs & #Raiders have all reached out to QB Carson Wentz's HS coach for info.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 22, 2016

Interesting as to why they'd reach out for him.. Seems like the least likely of the big 3 QBs to be a feasible option.

[Dante84]

Originally Posted by jonzie04

Saw this pop up on arrowhead addict.

Per my guy @eric_adelson #Saints #Bears #Chargers #Packers #Chiefs & #Raiders have all reached out to QB Carson Wentz's HS coach for info.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 22, 2016

Thank God. I was worried no one would leak any news this year! We hardly got anything out of the Shrine/Senior Bowl.

I imagine the Combine will produce some news.

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Jihad Ward projected to us by Kiper. Hmm I liked him as a 2nd Rd option. Seems like a bigger version of Sheldon Rankins but won't provide as much of an immediate impact (but should still be productive).

Someone really named their kid this.

[CleveSteve]

Originally Posted by Halfcan

Someone really named their kid this.

In 1994.

This is the one that's really messed up/unfortunate:

http://gazette.com/timothy-mcvey-mak...rticle/1562524

A question about the name had to be asked.

Timothy McVey wasn't offended.

"I get questioned on my name all the time, especially at airports," said the Air Force sophomore running back, who was born eight months before Timothy McVeigh carried out the most deadly act of domestic terrorism in the nation's history in Oklahoma City.

McVey has been told there was talk of using his middle name or even changing his name, but those thoughts were shelved.

"My parents," he said, "were just like, 'You know what, we'll stick it out.'"

Now an Air Force running back and special teams player, McVey is fine sticking with his current role despite some spectacular displays in mop-up time.

[The Franchise]

#Mizzou C Evan Boehm had an informal meeting with the #Chiefs last night. Standard procedure but FYI.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 24, 2016

[Tribal Warfare]

http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMe...GhoSiLuLvZP.99

Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford (COM)
Jaylon Smith, OLB/ILB, Notre Dame (COM)
Noah Spence, OLB/DE/3-4OLB, Eastern Kentucky (COM)
Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (COM)

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs will have interviews with three edge rushers, two inside linebackers, receiver at NFL combine



It appears the Chiefs will be exploring linebackers in this year’s NFL Draft.

Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, Eastern Kentucky defensive end Noah Spence and Virginia Tech outside linebacker Dadi Nicolas all told The Star on Friday that they have had, or are scheduled to have, formal interviews with the Chiefs.

Two inside linebackers — Notre Dame star Jaylon Smith and Stanford’s Blake Martinez — also told The Star on Friday they will interview with the Chiefs. Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas also said he has a formal interview with the Chiefs on Friday.

Smith, who checked in at 6 feet 3 and 229 pounds, is projected to be a first-round pick by CBS Sports. He tore his ACL and MCL in Notre Dame’s bowl game in January, but was expected to go in the top half of the first round. Smith won the Butkus Award during a 2015 season in which he recorded 113 tackles, but NFL.com reported that teams believe Smith could miss the entire 2016 season with ankle and knee nerve issues, thus hurting his potential stock.

Spence, who checks in at 6 feet 2 and 254 pounds, is projected to be a first-round pick by CBS Sports. He had 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 13 1/2 sacks in 2015. He originally attended Ohio State, but transferred to Eastern Kentucky after failing two drug tests.

Lawson, 6-3 and 270 pounds, is projected to be a first-round pick by CBS Sports. He finished the 2015 season with 24 1/2 tackles for loss and 12 1/2 sacks, and he elected to enter the NFL Draft after his junior campaign.

Nicolas, 6-3 and 235 pounds, is projected to be a fifth-round pick by CBS Sports. He finished the 2015 season with seven tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks as an undersized end. He was more productive as a junior in 2014, compiling 18 1/2 tackles for loss and nine sacks as an outside linebacker.

Martinez, who is listed at 6 feet 1 and 239 pounds, is projected to be a fifth- or sixth-round pick by CBS Sports. Martinez ranked 14th nationally with 10.1 tackles a game in 2016, and was a team captain in Stanford’s 3-4 defense.

The Chiefs have Pro Bowler Justin Houston under contract at outside linebacker for 2016, but another Pro Bowler, Tamba Hali, could hit free agency. The Chiefs also have 2014 first-round pick Dee Ford in the fold, but backups Dezman Moses and Frank Zombo are both slated to be free agents.

The Chiefs’ best inside linebacker, Derrick Johnson, is set to hit free agency in March. The Chiefs do have some promising youngsters in the fold, including 2015 fourth-round pick Ramik Wilson, 2015 fifth-round pick D.J. Alexander and undrafted free agent Justin March. The Chiefs also have two-year starter Josh Mauga under contract for 2016.

Thomas, who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 209 pounds, is projected to be a first- or second-round pick by CBS Sports. He caught 56 passes for 781 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015.

The Chiefs have a number of young receivers who are expected to compete for the No. 2 receiver job, including 2015 starter Albert Wilson and 2015 third-round pick Chris Conley, but veteran receiver Jason Avant — who was a regular in the rotation — is slated to be a free agent.

[RunKC]

BJ Kissel tweeted we met with Vadal Alexander and my guy Kevin Hogan

[Tribal Warfare]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...e62873977.html

INDIANAPOLIS

The Chiefs will have formal interviews with Ohio State safety Vonn Bell and Clemson safety T.J Green this weekend, both players told The Star on Saturday.

Bell, who is listed at 5 feet 11 and 200 pounds, is the higher-rated prospect of the two. Bell, a two-year starter, declared for the draft after a junior campaign in which he recorded 65 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions. He is projected to go in the second round by CBS Sports.

Green, who checked in at 6 feet 2 and 209 pounds, is a former receiver who moved to safety after the 2013 season.

In 2014, Green had 24 tackles and an interception, but he broke out in 2015, recording 95 tackles (5 1/2 for loss) with three pass breakups.

Green is projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick by CBS Sports. Three of the Chiefs’ top four safeties are scheduled to be free agents on March 9, including Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah and Tyvon Branch.

The Chiefs could franchise tag Berry, and have expressed an interest in retaining Branch. But safety depth could still be a need, depending on how free agency shakes out.

Every NFL team is allotted 60 formal interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, with each lasting 15 minutes.

Seven other players told The Star on Friday that they have had or will have formal interview with the Chiefs.

[Tribal Warfare]

http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam

Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (COM)

Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (COM)

[Chief Northman]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...e62873977.html

INDIANAPOLIS

The Chiefs will have formal interviews with Ohio State safety Vonn Bell and Clemson safety T.J Green this weekend, both players told The Star on Saturday.

Bell, who is listed at 5 feet 11 and 200 pounds, is the higher-rated prospect of the two. Bell, a two-year starter, declared for the draft after a junior campaign in which he recorded 65 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions. He is projected to go in the second round by CBS Sports.

Green, who checked in at 6 feet 2 and 209 pounds, is a former receiver who moved to safety after the 2013 season.

In 2014, Green had 24 tackles and an interception, but he broke out in 2015, recording 95 tackles (5 1/2 for loss) with three pass breakups.

Green is projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick by CBS Sports. Three of the Chiefs’ top four safeties are scheduled to be free agents on March 9, including Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah and Tyvon Branch.

The Chiefs could franchise tag Berry, and have expressed an interest in retaining Branch. But safety depth could still be a need, depending on how free agency shakes out.

Every NFL team is allotted 60 formal interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, with each lasting 15 minutes.

Seven other players told The Star on Friday that they have had or will have formal interview with the Chiefs.

I know it is due diligence, but boy it seems the Chiefs like their safeties when considering secondary personnel. I think Abdullah may be allowed to walk while Branch and Berry will be retained. I can't see a high pick spent at the position, but you never know how the board may fall.