Sac's 2016 Chiefs Mock Draft

[Saccopoo]

Post NFL Combine Edition!

While many deride the Combine as an "underwear Olympics," GM John Dorsey puts a lot of stock into a players measurables when considering potential draft picks. Prototype physical measurments and explosiveness are big on his lists. Dorsey seems to place emphasis on the 3 Cone Drill times as well. He doesn't shy away from small school players and has no problem drafting them if they fall within his Decision Lens metrics.

As such, here's the new Chiefs mock that considers the 2016 NFL Combine:

1. Paxton Lynch, QB; Memphis, RS Junior: 6'7", 245 lb.

Combine measurements:
Height: 6'6.5"
Weight: 244 lb.
Arms: 34.5"
Hands: 10.25"
40: 4.86 seconds
Vertical: 36"
Broad: 118"
3 Cone: 7.14 seconds

- Lynch has modern prototype physical measurements for the position to go with long arms and huge hands. He also clocked in the highest ball velocity at the 2016 NFL Combine at 59 mph - meaning he's got a cannon. He also has the physical explosion that Dorsey covets in his prospects (vertical and broad jumps). He looked poised with good footwork during the drills. A little shaky on some of the throws, but displayed good placement with velocity on most tosses.

The Chiefs were one of 12 teams to meet with Lynch at the Combine and they sent scouts to every Memphis game this past season.

Season stats:
13 games
Passing:
296/443
66.8%
3,378 yards
28 TDs
4 Ints

Rushing:
239 yards
2 TDs

- Lynch was an absolute force for the vast majority of the 2015 season, passing for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns eight times while leading the Tigers to a 9-3 record and a bowl matchup with Auburn. Lynch progressed each season, increasing his accuracy, yards, yards per attempt and TD to Int ratio.

Has dropped a bit in the eyes of the draftniks due to an average showing against Auburn and the rise of NDS' Carson Wentz, but IMO Lynch is the best QB in this draft and fits what Reid wants in a QB. (Think of a 3" taller, bigger armed Alex Smith and that's what you have in Lynch.) With Daniel a FA and Smith at 31, it's an opportune time to bring in the legit QBOTF for this franchise and have him learn the system and league behind Smith. Both Reid and Dorsey have brought in QB's in just this situation before and I don't see them passing on a talent like Lynch here if he is available.

Very tall, athletic body with ability to scan over the top. Elite foot quickness for a tall quarterback. Can maneuver quickly out of a busy pocket and away from trouble, but desires to keep passing option alive. Sets up in the pocket quickly and generally keeps feet "throw ready". More functional scrambler than "tuck and run" quarterback. Sacked just 15 times over 477 drop backs. Able to win with his feet when he needs to. Has a quick release to overcome his slight wind*-up. Has enough arm to drive the ball into restricted windows. Has enough arm to attack downfield while on the move. Makes good decisions. Rarely takes the cheese when cornerbacks try and bait him. Displays qualities of a field leader and isn't easy to rattle. Yards per attempt have exploded over his last two years. Can gain chunk yards as zone-read quarterback and will appeal to boot*-action teams. Will be challenging to defend in the red area.

Tall, lanky frame with broad shoulders and room to add more weight - built for the NFL and can take a beating. Light on his feet with the athleticism and body control to climb, shuffle and slide in the pocket, buying time and adjusting his throwing platform when needed.
Throws with accuracy on the move and comfortable moving the pocket with boots and motions. Good-enough arm strength to fire strikes with a quick trigger. Quick eyes to scan and make whole field reads. Improved poise to sense pressure and comfortable operating from within a confined pocket. Has the arm talent to get away with throwing without a firm base. Coaches praise his ability to acclimate and football IQ.

(Former picks: Vadal Alexander, OL; LSU, Reggie Ragland, MLB; Alabama, Germain Ifedi, OT; Texas A&M; Austin Johnson, DT; Penn State)

2. Joshua Garnett, OG; Stanford, Senior: 6'5", 325 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'4.5"
Weight: 312 lb.
Arms: 33 7/8"
Hands: 10 1/8"
Bench: 30 Reps
40: 5.32 seconds
Broad: 99"
3 Cone: 7.62 seconds

- The 2015 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in college football at Left Guard for the Cardinals. Powerful and flat out nasty. Will absolutely drive even the biggest defensive tackles all over the field at will. Uses his hands exceptionally well and easily picks up secondary blitzers and re-directs them while engaged with primary blocking responsibility.

Long arms and big, heavy hands with real power with his legs and arms. With the possibility of Jeff Allen leaving as a free agent and Ben Grubbs and Fanaika with injury + performance issues and Mitch Morse with a serious concussion issue that held him out the last month plus of the 2015 season, the interior offensive line is a real issue. Garnett is one of those rare players who's intelligence, strength, football skills and nasty demeanor would give him the chance to immediately start at a high level. Reminds me of a quicker Gabe Jackson. Just mean as shit on the field.





Former picks: Demarcus Robinson, WR; Florida, Christian Hackenberg, QB; Penn State; Deiondre Hall, CB; Northern Iowa

3. Deiondre' Hall, CB; Northern Iowa: 6'2", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 199 lb.
Arms: 34 3/8"
Hands: 9 6/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 4.68 seconds
Vertical: 37"
Broad: 127"
3 Cone: 7.07 seconds

- While Hall's 40 time was a little disappointing, consider that another small school (Montana), but very physically similar CB Trumaine Johnson posted near identical numbers at his Combine. Hall's real gift is his unbelievable length, with the wingspan of a condor or albatross. He's also blossomed as a press corner in 2015, being named the Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Very good vertical and excellent broad jump. 82 tackles with 6 interceptions (two of them being returned for touchdowns). An aggressive and instinctive player who, like Sean Smith, found his calling as a press man corner. IMO, the best CB in the draft to emulate or replace what the Chiefs currently have in Sean Smith.

Brandon Lynch was hired as the Panthers’ defensive- backs coach in 2013. Midway through that season, Hall switched from a linebacker/safety/nickel position in the Panthers’ 3-4 scheme to outside cornerback and fared well in the Panthers man-coverage heavy scheme.

That offseason, Hall recalled, Lynch — who is now the assistant head coach for defense — had a message for him.

“He was like, ‘Dee, if you really trust this layout for you — if you trust this plan — then it will take you places, wherever you want to go,’ ” Hall said.

Lynch was right. Hall embraced the challenge of being on an island almost every play, and matured into the defensive player of the year for the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2015.

“Being able to play press all the time is great,” Hall said. “The last two years it was almost strictly press-man (and) playing off man coverage. When you have a good front seven you can do that, and you really only have to win in the first 10-15 yards because that ball is coming out, so either he’s getting sacked or we’re breaking on the ball.”

Has the arm length of a left tackle. Long arms are extremely disruptive against 50/50 balls. Uses length to stuff blockers and get into the action. Values run support and tackling and is never shy. Unusually high tackle count for a cornerback (82 this season) and forced three fumbles. Not intimidated by physical receivers from bigger programs. Offers help outside his area if he reads quarterback?s intentions. Closes the deal when he has a shot at an interception finishing with 13 for his career including six this year. Instinctive and aware in thirds coverage and looked comfortable playing from safety slot.

Former pick(s): (Cassanova McKinzy, LB; Auburn, Scooby Wright, LB; Arizona; Dak Prescott, QB; Ole Miss; Miles Killebrew, S; Southern Utah)

4. Joe Haeg, OT; North Dakota State: 6'6", 310 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 304 lb.
Arms: 33 3/4"
Hands: 9 5/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 5.16 seconds
Vertical: ?
Broad: 111"
3 Cone: 7.47 seconds

- Top performer in the OL group in the broad jump, 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle (4.47 seconds).

- You want to know who has the most upside at the offensive tackle position in this draft? This dude. The first time I watched the Bison to look at QB Wentz, it was Haeg who immediately jumped off the screen. Incredible feet, balance, kick, arms and hands. Two time first Team FCS All-American. Four year starter, two at RT and two at LT. Give this guy an NFL weight and film room and he's got the potential to be an All-Pro.

“I like this North Dakota kid a lot,” an AFC personnel director said. “He’s tough. He’s got a good hand punch and he stays on his feet and can mirror pass rushers. He’s got the upside that you want to work with and develop him for down the road into a future starter.”

Former pick(s): (Maurice Canady, CB; Virginia)

5. Tyvis Powell, S; Ohio State: 6'3", 215 lb. Junior.

Combine:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 211 lb.
Arms: 32 3/4"
Hands: 9 1/2"
Bench: 15 reps
40: 4.46 seconds
Vertical: 34.5"
Broad: 120"
3 Cone: 7.03 seconds

- Overshadowed by Vonn Bell, but Powell excelled as the single high free safety in the Buckeyes defense. Defensive MVP of the 2014 National Championship game. Long and fast. Excellent recovery speed and really breaks well on the ball in the air. 71 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2015. Already has degree as an early entry junior.

Has plus traits that lead to quality ball skills. Can run. Plays with range speed necessary to come from opposite hash and challenge the deep ball. Good leaper with high point springs. Twitch is there to break on in-*cutting routes and make a play. Has excellent hands and comes down with the interception when it is there for him. Posted seven interceptions over last two seasons. Able to track down runners turning the corner.

(Previous pick - Tyler Marz, OT; Wisconsin; Bronson Kaufusi, DE; BYU; Ben Braunecker, TE; Harvard; Nick Vigil, LB; Utah State)





Former picks: Doug Middleton, S; Appalachian State, Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State

6. David Onyemata, DT; University of Manitoba; 6'4", 305 lb.

- The J.P. Metras Award winner, which is given to the top down lineman in Canadian college football. Originally from Nigeria, he didn't start playing football, actually never saw a football game, until 2011. (Played soccer to that point.) By the 2015 season, where he accumulated 50 tackles including 5 sacks while being double teamed nearly every down, he was showcasing superior strength and athleticism. Onyemata is considered the top Canadian NFL prospect, and received an invite to the East West Shrine game where he was described as "dominant" during practice. Consider him the LDT of the defensive side of the ball.





Former pick(s): De'Vondre Campbell, OLB; Minnesota

6. Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State: 5'11", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 198 lb.
Arms: 31 5/8"
Hands: 9 3/8"
Bench: 12 reps
40: 4.58 seconds
Vertical: 32.5"
Broad: 116"
3 Cone: 7.12 seconds

- I was more shocked with Sharp's less than stellar Combine numbers than almost anyone there. While not bad, they weren't what you saw on the field on Saturdays for the Aggies, where he was always the fastest guy on the field regardless of who they were playing. One of those guys who just seems to pick it up when the pads go on. Or didn't "train" well enough for the combine itself. Regardless, the guy can catch a football and his numbers will drop him into the fifth round easily at this point, where I think he'll be a steal.

- Speed. That's how Sharp plays the game from whistle to whistle. He's also a cocky, tough son of a bitch that plays fearless. Had 939 yards in 13 games in 2014 and 839 yards in 11 games in 2015 on a team built to run the ball. Averaged a ridiculous 35.4 yards per on kickoff returns in 2015. Will happily lay out for the highlight reel catch as well as put clown shoes on defenders with the ball in his hands on the open field. Think Steve Smith at the same stage. (Cousin of current Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson.)

Can ruin a cornerbacks entire day with his speed. Explodes off the line of scrimmage with forward lean and is able to open to full stride almost immediately. Combines swivel hips along with bravado and speed to make his mark after the catch. Weaves through traffic in his routes and after catch seamlessly. Can make defenders miss, but isn't afraid to lean in and finish his run aggressively. Used from slot, outside and out of backfield. Big play potential vertically or underneath after the catch. Uses stutter-*and*-go to get cornerbacks tilting early in his release. Has the play strength and instant burst that should allow him to defeat press coverage as a pro. Runs patient, controlled routes and can maximize separation. Can return punts and kicks. Ran a variety of routes over last two seasons.

Former picks: Nelson Spruce, WR; Colorado

7. Tyrone Holmes, DE/OLB; Montana: 6'4", 250 lb.
- Your reigning 2015 FCS College Defensive Player of the Year. Former basketball and track star (shot put and high hurdles) in high school. 3.6 GPA in Marketing. Relentless. One of the real surprises of guys not getting a Combine invite. Dude led college football in sacks and was defensive player of the year in the FCS. That just doesn't seem right. Expect a pretty impressive pro day.

87 tackles, 21.5 tfl, 18 sacks, 3 ff.

"He doesn't say a whole lot, he just comes out and practices and plays the exact same way every single day - a hundred miles an hour," Montana coach Bob Stitt said. "It made our lives on offense through spring practices and fall camp miserable, having to try to block him and deal with him. So I know what opposing offenses are dealing with it with Tyrone. People feed off his play."

Former Pick(s): Storm Woods, RB; Oregon State

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

IMO, KC will be looking at another 3-4 NT/DE somewhere in the 1st 3 rounds, because of the fear ( Honestly, God forbid) that Dontari could reinjure his back. The defense has looked average because of his injury. Though the Denver game showed he could be finally healthy now. Ultimately, Devito is on his last legs and the Chiefs need another versatile DL to help the DBs too, because we can get beat deep due to the lack of speed at the CB position.

What the **** for? They've already got the next NT; just need to extend.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

What the **** for? They've already got the next NT; just need to extend.

Howard for the most part is above average but not elite, getting an elite NT is a necessity for a dominant 3-4 Defense. Also, you need more than one hence the versatile remark like Ngata in his prime.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Howard for the most part is above average but not elite, getting an elite NT is a necessity for a dominant 3-4 Defense. Also, you need more than one hence the versatile remark like Ngata in his prime.

So you want them to draft an "elite" NT prospect with Howard, Poe and Nunez-Roches on the roster?

Thankfully, I don't think that there is an "elite" NT prospect in this draft. And if there were, the Chiefs won't be picking high enough to secure such a talent.

Howard has been pretty good this season. In fact, he's looked better than Poe in terms of holding and pushing the double gaps in the base 34's. Better run defender, enough so that I'd rather see Poe as the five tech and Howard as the Zero NT.

Nunez-Roches came out as a RS Junior after a very strong year. If he stayed and put together a similar year his senior year, he most likely would have been selected much higher than the sixth round. Pretty good, savvy pick by Dorsey actually considering that DeVito was coming off an achilles injury and his effectiveness going forward was pretty much in doubt at the time of the draft.

A guy like Kaufusi would be just like David Irving this past summer/preseason - a long, athletic guy who would provide a different look on passing downs from the DE position. (And I think that Kaufusi is a better prospect than Irving was at the same stage.)

[kccrow]

I don't think Ifedi has the foot speed to stay outside. I do really like him as a guard prospect though. After that, I can't really say I don't like a pick. I think Hackeberg would test well enough in offseason programs that he won't be there late in round 2. He's really got a shit supporting cast and NFL teams will take that into account to some extent. If he's there, yeah I'd run up to the podium. He's got the talent to be much higher ranked but a bunch of bozos for lineman and receivers. What a shame.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by kccrow

I don't think Ifedi has the foot speed to stay outside. I do really like him as a guard prospect though. After that, I can't really say I don't like a pick. I think Hackeberg would test well enough in offseason programs that he won't be there late in round 2. He's really got a shit supporting cast and NFL teams will take that into account to some extent. If he's there, yeah I'd run up to the podium. He's got the talent to be much higher ranked but a bunch of bozos for lineman and receivers. What a shame.

System didn't fit him either. I don't see him going back and it will depend on the pro day/combine/individual workouts where he goes. Really depends on what the draft falls like. He's got first round talent, but he's stalled in a lot of areas and will need to be coached back up into his natural gifts.

And, as you said, Hogan should be a viable canidate in the second if the other four/five go early. I like Hogan. He's a pretty athletic guy with a really nice arm. Not overly accurate at times, but I think that's a correctable flaw in his motion. Otherwise, he's a really good fit for Reid's system.

Any of these guys are going to need one year at least and the Chiefs will have that luxury next year.

While I agree that Ifedi doesn't have the quickest of feet, his foot work is solid and he's exceptional in using his hands and length and upper body strength in redirecting guys. He's fundamentally sound if not a master tactician like Mathews. I think he could play on the edge quite easily due to his length, which would be wasted on the interior. Watching the A&M games, he's impressed me with his ability to move speed guys out and around while staying engaged on the interior. I think he's easily good enough to be a top RT.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

So you want them to draft an "elite" NT prospect with Howard, Poe and Nunez-Roches on the roster?

Thankfully, I don't think that there is an "elite" NT prospect in this draft. And if there were, the Chiefs won't be picking high enough to secure such a talent.

Howard has been pretty good this season. In fact, he's looked better than Poe in terms of holding and pushing the double gaps in the base 34's. Better run defender, enough so that I'd rather see Poe as the five tech and Howard as the Zero NT.
)

When Poe was healthy was elite( last year's pass rush), Howard is not. When the Defense finally came around season when Poe himself was giving more effort because he was more confident in his injury situation. if Poe is healthy then re-sign him if not then you got to look elsewhere and Billings is a straight up beast BTW.

Speaking of Elite prospects Poe's production wasn't in no means elite, he was drafted on his measurables/potential.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

When Poe was healthy was elite( last year's pass rush), Howard is not. When the Defense finally came around season when Poe himself was giving more effort because he was more confident in his injury situation. if Poe is healthy then re-sign him if not then you got to look elsewhere and Billings is a straight up beast BTW.

Speaking of Elite prospects Poe's production wasn't in no means elite, he was drafted on his measurables/potential.

Billings is a nice player. I think he'll be viewed more as a 43 DT than a NT in a 34 but he's shown the strength and anchor to be effective in either.

That being said, I seriously doubt that the Chiefs are going to be looking at the DT spot early unless they aren't able to resign Howard for something in the Allen Bailey ballpark of numbers.

It's not like at the OLB or ILB position, where no one outside the starters have distinguished themselves. The Chiefs have pretty solid and interchangable DT/DE's on the roster in Poe, Bailey, Howard, DeVito and Nunez-Roches (who actually has looked pretty solid in his snaps this year). Even Nick Williams has played the run well in limited snaps. DeVito looks like he's back into form after the achilles as well.

I just don't see the DT position being a Round 1 priority versus other positions, though Dorsey has shown that he'll draft BPA as it relates to other players on the team and their expiring contracts. (Fisher/Albert; Ford/Houston)

RT/OL, CB, QB, WR look to be the priority positions going into the 2016 Draft IMO.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Billings is a nice player. I think he'll be viewed more as a 43 DT than a NT in a 34 but he's shown the strength and anchor to be effective in either.

That being said, I seriously doubt that the Chiefs are going to be looking at the DT spot early unless they aren't able to resign Howard for something in the Allen Bailey ballpark of numbers.

It's not like at the OLB or ILB position, where no one outside the starters have distinguished themselves. The Chiefs have pretty solid and interchangable DT/DE's on the roster in Poe, Bailey, Howard, DeVito and Nunez-Roches (who actually has looked pretty solid in his snaps this year). Even Nick Williams has played the run well in limited snaps. DeVito looks like he's back into form after the achilles as well.

I just don't see the DT position being a Round 1 priority versus other positions, though Dorsey has shown that he'll draft BPA as it relates to other players on the team and their expiring contracts. (Fisher/Albert; Ford/Houston)

RT/OL, CB, QB, WR look to be the priority positions going into the 2016 Draft IMO.

Poe and the defense got owned because of the lack of pressure up the middle and occupying the blockers (Goddamnit) to allow the OLBs to do their Job.The NT position is a definite need if Poe isn't ever the same.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Poe and the defense got owned because of the lack of pressure up the middle and occupying the blockers (Goddamnit) to allow the OLBs to do their Job.The NT position is a definite need if Poe isn't ever the same.

Not having Bailey hurt more than anything against the Bills and has really been key on Houston's lessening of sack numbers this season, but they most certainly will have to get a full medical on Poe.

He's getting the reps now, so maybe it's more of a conditioning thing at this point. I'm not sure.

[duncan_idaho]

Sacc- would appreciate your thoughts on Matt Wells in the coaching search thread in the lounge.

You can splooge on Chuckie Keaton all you want.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Not having Bailey hurt more than anything against the Bills and has really been key on Houston's lessening of sack numbers this season, but they most certainly will have to get a full medical on Poe.

He's getting the reps now, so maybe it's more of a conditioning thing at this point. I'm not sure.

My fear is that Poe will always have shooting pains from his back to his legs, and can't use his strength and explosion off the snap because of this affliction. If he can truly rehab his back this offseason and comes back to form then that'll be awesome.

Since we are in the dark concerning Poe's health, It's my opinion the Chiefs do need a NT if Dontari doesn't ever recover.

[O.city]

Ragland is a stud. If he's therr I'd be interested

[GloucesterChief]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

My fear is that Poe will always have shooting pains from his back to his legs, and can't use his strength and explosion off the snap because of this affliction. If he can truly rehab his back this offseason and comes back to form then that'll be awesome.

Since we are in the dark concerning Poe's health, It's my opinion the Chiefs do need a NT if Dontari doesn't ever recover.

If there is issues with Poe, I think Destiny Vaeao from Wazzu would be a good later round pick. I think he could play NT or DE. He has experience in a 3-4 already.

Also, with DAT I think we should take a late round flyer on Braxton Miller if he is available and use him like Antwan Randle - El as an all around gadget player/returner.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by GloucesterChief

If there is issues with Poe, I think Destiny Vaeao from Wazzu would be a good later round pick. I think he could play NT or DE. He has experience in a 3-4 already.

Also, with DAT I think we should take a late round flyer on Braxton Miller if he is available and use him like Antwan Randle - El as an all around gadget player/returner.

I'm not a huge fan of picking a gadget player as specifically a gadget player. There are a lot of guys who actually player their respective positions very well who also can function as a kick/punt returner. Canady, the CB from Virginia, and Sharp, the receiver from Utah State, are both excellent at their position while leading their conferences in punt return yardage.

I'd rather have a guy who had the potential of being at least a #3 guy at their position with the possibility of moving up to the #2 guy while also working in at KR/PR versus a guy who will be nothing more than the quirky gadget guy without a real position.

[GloucesterChief]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

I'm not a huge fan of picking a gadget player as specifically a gadget player. There are a lot of guys who actually player their respective positions very well who also can function as a kick/punt returner. Canady, the CB from Virginia, and Sharp, the receiver from Utah State, are both excellent at their position while leading their conferences in punt return yardage.

I'd rather have a guy who had the potential of being at least a #3 guy at their position with the possibility of moving up to the #2 guy while also working in at KR/PR versus a guy who will be nothing more than the quirky gadget guy without a real position.

Miller is still learning the WR position. You can line him up in the backfield as a half back and since he was a QB in college he can throw decently well. I see him as more as Randle-El than DAT. A WR that you can lineup anywhere and run gadget and trick plays through.

Not a top four rd pick but worth a 5th, 6th, 7th round flyer on.