Sac's 2014 Chiefs Mock Draft

[Saccopoo]

Update time for the mock to reflect the needs of the Chiefs as they appear with less than a month to the actual event - the 2014 NFL Draft.

Round 1. Kyle Van Noy, LB; BYU: 6'3 1/2", 243 lbs., 31 5/8" arms, 9 5/8" hands

- For a long time, Odell Beckham, WR; LSU, has been in this spot. After recent epiphanies (the depth of the WR position in the draft, the need for position free versatility in the LB corps, etc.), Van Noy is now the most logical and needed pick for the Chiefs with their first round selection. Van Noy is the most fluid and instinctual player in this draft. He has an uncanny ability to understand and diagnose a play from it's inception. He finds the ball exceptionally well and takes near perfect angles in pursuit. He's an excellent pass rusher with a variety of moves. He has terrific burst and plays sideline to sideline. He's excellent in coverage as well, showing not only top notch instincts but extremely fluid hips and feet and hands. Van Noy is position independent, capable of lining up at any of the four LB spots. He's also a superb special teams player, blocking numerous kicks/punts over his career. A vocal team leader.

Van Noy finishes his college career with the third highest Tackles For Loss in NCAA football history. 223 tackles, 61.5 tfl, 26 sacks, 7 Ints, 21 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles (with three recovered for TD's). The guy is an impact four down playmaker.

Combine numbers for KVN:

Bench: 21 reps
40: 4.71
Vertical: 32.5"
Broad: 112"
3 Cone: 7.22 seconds
20 Shuttle: 4.20 seconds

Van Noy stood on his combine numbers at the BYU Pro Day and just worked for teams in positional drills. Has been working out/training at since the Combine.

Has a muscular, well-proportioned build. Quick get-off. Knifes gaps. Good pass-rush ability -- can push the pocket or pressure the edge. Keeps working to the quarterback and has deceptive closing speed. Eyes the quarterback and tries to get his hands in the passing lane. Athletic with good movement skills in all directions -- equipped to keep pace with backs and tight ends in coverage. Is rangy and can open up his stride and run vertical. Glides on the field. Scheme versatile. Football smart. - NFL.com

•A very fluid athlete, which is hardly surprising when you look at his history. However turning to run in coverage was about as fluid as I've seen from a linebacker. Flips the hips well, and has a good break on the football in coverage.
•Active hands. It's unusual to have two positives to start based on coverage, but he really does do a nice job of getting his hands in-between the football and the receiver.
•Good change of direction. Really plants that foot and explodes either in pass coverage or in run support.
•Excellent awareness. Really has a feel for the game and takes good angles and barely every takes the incorrect first step.
•Leader: Showed a lot of character to battle through some injuries in 2013, and was seen as the defensive leader on the field, very vocal and willing to do the dirty work.
•Shows a nice array of pass rushing moves, has enough speed to trouble the edge but also mixes in some moves to keep offensive lineman off balance.
•Works through traffic well and just seems to disengage at the exact moment he should to make the tackle. Which comes down to having a good feel for the game. - SBNation

Round 3. Cyril Richardson, OL; Baylor: 6'5", 329 lbs., 34 5/8" arms, 9 1/2" hands
- The OG position is one of huge need for the Chiefs. While they signed former Indianapolis Colts OL Jeff Linkenbach, there is no one who believes that he's anything more than insurance/depth for the now depleted KC offensive line, which saw the loss of Jon Asamoah and Jeff Schwartz in free agency.

Richardson was once considered a first round lock, but you can thank Pitt's Aaron Donald at the Senior Bowl for this gift of a pick. Richardson is an outstanding offensive line prospect with size and power who has played and excelled at both guard and tackle during his time with the Bears. 2013 First Team All-American, All-Conference, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and finalist for the Outland Trophy. He's got as much potential to be an All-Pro level guard as anyone in this draft. An absolute steal if he is here with this pick for the Chiefs.

Bench: 25 reps
40: 5.36 seconds
Vertical: 25.5"
Broad: 91"
3 Cone: 7.70 seconds
20 Shuttle: 4.83 seconds

Outstanding size and girth with legitimate NFL strength. Sturdy base and heavy anchor -- squats a small house and is dependable in pass protection. Generates movement in the run game. Can work his hips and gain positioning. Walls off and seals. Packs a jolting punch and plays with a load in his hands -- latches on, controls and steers. Wins in a phone booth and can manhandle smaller linemen. Enough balance, coordination and foot speed to pull and trap effectively. Has played tackle and guard. Conditioned in an up-tempo, no-huddle offense. - NFL.com

Richardson ran the 40-yard dash in 5.23 and 5.28 seconds. Richardson, who has 34 3/8-inch arms, did 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press (at Baylor's Pro Day). Richardson has lost about 20 pounds since the end of the 2013 season when he was at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He has worked hard to lose that weight and that hard work paid off at Baylor’s pro day, when he looked very good; he looked like the Richardson we remembered from a year ago when he was one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in the nation. He had gotten too heavy in 2013 and did not move well enough to be considered a top line prospect. Now, however, he might have moved back into second-round consideration for the 2014 NFL Draft after falling down into the third-round range with all that weight.

Round 4. Devin Street, WR; Pittsburgh: Senior: 6'3", 198 lbs., 33 3/8" arms, 9 1/4" hands

- While the Chiefs didn't have much luck with the last Pitt WR they took, Street is a different type of animal. Superb hands, long arms and tireless work ethic, Street is the career receptions leader for Pitt and third all-time in yardage. He highpoints the ball extremely well, and is a crisp, precision route runner with no fear of catching balls over the middle of the field. His size, speed, vertical, route running and hands give him a real shot at being a true #1 WR in a couple of years.

Combine numbers:

40: 4.55
Vertical: 37"
Broad: 124"
3 Cone: 6.89 seconds
20 Shuttle: 4.01 seconds

At Pitt's Pro Day, scouts timed him at 4.46 in the 40.

Has excellent length and room for added bulk. Chews up ground with long strides. Is a big target underneath with a sizable catch radius. Shows natural receiving skills to track, concentrate and adjust. Soft, dependable hands to extend and pull in a throw off his body. Uses his big frame to post up defensive backs. Nice field awareness. Lined up outside and inside. Solid personal and football character. Productive, 40-game starter. Team captain. - NFL.com

Devin Street is one of the best pass-catchers in the draft. He has absolutely fantastic hands and an uncanny ability to spear the ball at its' highest point. Instead of trying to catch with his chest, he prefers to use his strong hands to tear the ball out of the air, or out of cornerbacks' hands. He has great timing and great coordination, which allows him to win jump balls regularly and adjust to mis-throws. He is a good route runner and can work the sidelines well, displaying the ability to drag his feet several times in his tape. Having dealt with an inconsistent situation at quarterback throughout his time at Pitt, Street has developed a knack for being in the right place while his quarterback improvises, often having to peel off his route to come back to the ball. His size is ideal for a wideout, as his 6'4'' frame provides a lengthy target for the quarterback. While he works the sidelines well, he doesn't shy away from the middle of the field, and actually runs a very polished slant route. As Pitt's all-time leading pass-catcher with 202 career receptions, he obviously boasts a substantial college résumé. - SBNation

Round 5. Matt Patchan, OT; Boston College: 6'6", 302 lb., 33" arms, 9 3/8" hands
- The Chiefs really don't have anyone behind Fisher and Stephenson at the offensive tackle position and haven't addressed it/overpaid for it during free agency. Patchan is an enigma. He literally could be one the best offensive tackles in this draft. He was a highly sought after prep recruit (top 50 overall/top 5 OL prospect) that originally signed with Miami. He's an absolute freak athletically (compares very well to both Fisher and Stephenson in that regard). Has excellent footwork, very good hands and is incredible at getting into the second level. Plays nasty. However, he's hardly ever been on the field due to a series of freak accidents unrelated to football including not one, but two scooter crashes and getting shot in the shoulder in a Miami park as a bystander as well as numerous football related injuries that include a torn pec, ACL, wrist, etc.

2013 was really the first time that he played a full college season and he was rewarded with a 2nd Team All-Conference nod and multiple Conference Offensive Line Player of the Week Awards. You just can't overlook this level of athleticism. The tools and attitude are there.

Combine numbers:
40: 4.97
Bench: 22 reps
Vertical: 33.5"

Highly impressive raw numbers from the combine…Terrific athlete in the straight-line with some explosive characteristics…Can lead block down the field with the mobility of most tight ends…Takes sharp angles down the field and is very rangy…Plays with eyes up to see moving defenders, aids effectiveness as a combo blocker or handling stunts in pass protection…Places hands well to keep them inside the frame of defenders…Is a sticky blocker who’s tough to disengage from if he stays balanced on contact…Explodes off the ball as a power run blocker and can drop pads well enough into contact…Can deliver highly impactful blocks with a heavy punch…Will finish by driving defenders into the ground, great mentality…Son of an NFL offensive lineman.

Looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle with broad shoulders, long arms and a trim middle. Very good initial quickness off the snap, firing off the ball when run-blocking to turn and seal his opponent from the action. Surprising straight-line speed to get to the second level and shows good lateral agility and body control to adjust to moving targets.

Easy athleticism is apparent in pass protection, as well, showing the balance and fluidity to remain outside in the NFL, perhaps even at left tackle (as he played for BC). Plays with good knee bend and on the balls of his feet, showing the ability to slide laterally, keeping his shoulders square to the defender. Latches onto opponents and shows good strength in his hands to control once engaged.

Undeniable talent whose question marks are largely off the field.

Round 6. Ryan Carrethers, DT; Arkansas State: 6'1", 337 lbs., 31 3/4" arms, 9 3/8" hands
- For some reason, the Chiefs FO/coaching staff just hasn't dedicated the backup NT spot to Jerrell "The Landshark" Powe. As such, there is a perceived hole behind Dontari Poe as the two down NT.

The word "massive" is apropos describing Carrethers, who is literally built like a sequoia tree trunk. The really nice thing that he does well is he's very instinctive in finding the ball carrier evidenced by having one game where he had more tackles in a single game than any other defensive lineman in college in 2013 (16 tackles). First team All-Conference.

Bench: 32 reps
40: 5.47 seconds
Vertical: 26"
Broad: 88"
3 Cone: 7.89
20 Shuttle: 4.60

Big and thick with outstanding weight-room strength -- squats a small house and maintains low body fat. Has sheer mass and natural girth to dig in and hold his ground vs. double teams. Has a wrestling background and understands leverage. Has two-gap ability. Heavy tackler. Nice effort for a big man. Tough and durable. Solid personal and football character -- is devoted to his craft and has a professional approach to the game. - NFL.com

Round 6. Dontae Johnson, DB; North Carolina State: 6'2", 200 lbs., 31 1/2" arms, 8 5/8" hands
- Johnson is an athletic, heady player who has played all over the Wolfpack defense including CB, OLB, SS and FS. While the Chiefs have added Jerron McMillian at S and Chris Owens at CB to the 2014 roster, Johnson gives them a player who will be able to play either slot effectively. Would be a great addition in terms of depth and special teams play.

Bench: 12 reps
40: 4.45 seconds
Vertical: 38.5"
Broad: 124"
3 Cone: 6.82 seconds
20 Shuttle: 4.24 seconds
60 Shuttle: 11.06 seconds

Good balance and athleticism. Can run with tight ends in coverage. Good zone awareness. Efficient plant-and-drive. Nice length to compete in the air. Sets a hard edge as a force player -- works to get off blocks, throws his weight around and tackles aggressively. Has played safety, cornerback, nickel and special teams. Smart and hardworking. - NFL.com

[Saccopoo]

Updated to reflect Combine results.

[RunKC]

Pretty good. Don't see a 5th round pick?

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Pretty good. Don't see a 5th round pick?

I forgot to paste in my 5th rounder, which is Brent Urban of Virginia. It's up now.

[OldSchool]

Can't complain with that draft really, though I don't like Richardson as much as some of you guys do. Not too sure that Urban makes it to the 5th for us also.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Hoover

Yeah, I'd be pleased with a draft like this.

While everyone and their brother think that the Chiefs are going to sign a FA WR, I think that would be a waste considering that there is so much WR talent in this draft. We need to use our FA budget to fix the FS spot and that probably it.

What you, and apparently others, seem to not be considering... is that rookie WR's almost NEVER produce a big impact their rookie year, there are just too many intricacies at the position for most rookies to pick up right away.

Those of us wanting an upgrade in free agency, within reason, are trying to skip that long process because we're in WIN NOW mode... we don't have time to groom the next big thing on the fly.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by scott free

What you, and apparently others, seem to not be considering... is that rookie WR's almost NEVER produce a big impact their rookie year, there are just too many intricacies at the position for most rookies to pick up right away.

Those of us wanting an upgrade in free agency, within reason, are trying to skip that long process because we're in WIN NOW mode... we don't have time to groom the next big thing on the fly.

They kind of did that already with the additions of Avery and Jenkins last season.

However, a player of Beckham's skill set and physical attributes isn't really going to be able to be had in the FA market.

And with Bowe and a healthy Fasano/Kelce, he's not initially needed to be "the man" right off the bat like some other teams. He'll be given a chance to grow in the offense versus having them need him to carry the passing game immediately.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Can't complain with that draft really, though I don't like Richardson as much as some of you guys do. Not too sure that Urban makes it to the 5th for us also.

I'm not as high on him as say Zach Martin or Gabe Jackson, but the Chiefs won't see either of those guys with their third rounder. Richardson is talented and would be a hell of a grab in the third, especially considering that he has the potential to be a four position player, though I think that OG is his best position.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

They kind of did that already with the additions of Avery and Jenkins last season.

However, a player of Beckham's skill set and physical attributes isn't really going to be able to be had in the FA market.

And with Bowe and a healthy Fasano/Kelce, he's not initially needed to be "the man" right off the bat like some other teams. He'll be given a chance to grow in the offense versus having them need him to carry the passing game immediately.

Avery - we needed speed and game experience, reliability be damned, that's what his signing was.

Jenkins - he was more of a lets take a shot at greatness for nothing proposition, a likely longer term experiment depending on how he looked in limited duty... and he's looked pretty damn good I must say, he's a darkhorse no doubt.

But finally, what so many of us want is not only a top dog rookie to groom, but skillful VETERAN free agent to ease that transition, make sure we're not just "getting by" at that position while the rook learns the ropes.

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by scott free

What you, and apparently others, seem to not be considering... is that rookie WR's almost NEVER produce a big impact their rookie year, there are just too many intricacies at the position for most rookies to pick up right away.

Those of us wanting an upgrade in free agency, within reason, are trying to skip that long process because we're in WIN NOW mode... we don't have time to groom the next big thing on the fly.

The 5 that I can really see making an impact their rookie year would be:

1. Watkins- obvious reasons. He has great tools at his disposal.

2. Odell Beckham- stick him in the slot and let him work his way into a perimeter role from there. In the meantime, I would take him over every nickle corner in the league 9 times out of 10 as a rookie.

3. Brandin Cooks- same thing as Beckham, although I believe he will be his most effective if allowed to work from the slot for his entire career. He should be able to contribute immediately as a slot WR. As for whether or not he could succeed on the outside in the long run, that remains to be seen.

4. Mike Evans- Not a polished receiver by any means but he is a naturally dominant pass catcher, that's something you can't really teach. He'll be fine as a Red Zone target early on.

5. Jordan Matthews- it's his work ethic more than his physical tool set that convinces me of this. He will struggle the most out of these 5 as a rookie but he may also end up being the best when it is all said and done. He can produce from the slot as a rookie but will need a bit more time to come into his own as an outside guy.

Of course, this also depends on what kind of offense and QB they are going to be playing with.

If you take Watkins, Beckham, Cooks, or Matthews and stick them in the slot for us they will be getting a ton of targets, 2nd only to Bowe. It also really comes down to whether or not they can gain Smith's trust as well. We all saw Smith take more chances with Bowe as the year progressed. I think you can expect that to happen more often this season as he grows even more comfortable.

I would put Lee up here if he didn't have that Junior season that he did.

[milkman]

I'm assuming Gayle is going to transition to OLB.

Overall, not a bad effort for a real dumbass.

[OldSchool]

Also, Reid never had an impact rookie WR until Desean Jackson came along. After that he seemed to be more willing to trust rookie WRs as evidenced by Maclin in the year following that. Before then, I don't think that Reid ever had a rookie WR who he allowed to start for him. (This is going off of what I heard a while ago from my friend who was an Eagles fan.)

[RealSNR]

NC State isn't the Gamecocks

[milkman]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Also, Reid never had an impact rookie WR until Desean Jackson came along. After that he seemed to be more willing to trust rookie WRs as evidenced by Maclin in the year following that. Before then, I don't think that Reid ever had a rookie WR who he allowed to start for him. (This is going off of what I heard a while ago from my friend who was an Eagles fan.)

Don't think he had any rookie receivers who were worth a damn until Jackson.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by SNR

NC State isn't the Gamecocks

Yep. Wolfpack. Have no idea why I put that down and thanks for catching it. Fixing it now.

[spanky 52]

Not bad Sacc. Hope Beckham is there when we pick.