Kansas City Chiefs 2013 NFL Draft Profile: Shariff Floyd

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock. It has been almost a foregone conclusion the Chiefs will select one of the top left tackles, either Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M, or Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan, with their number one overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft Thursday night. What if they don’t? What if the Chiefs decide to go defense with their first pick? Since 2000, the Philadelphia Eagles went with defense in the initial round 7 times in 11 drafts (no 1st round picks in 2007 or 2008), with Andy Reid at the helm. Green Bay, in the same time frame, with John Dorsey as Director of Player Personnel, chose a defensive player 8 times in the first round, over 13 years (no picks in 2008 and 2 in 2009 – both defense). There is still a possibility the Chiefs could go a different direction. If relations with Branden Albert improve dramatically over the next 30 hours or so, or if Kansas City trades down a few spots, it is possible that Shariff Floydcould be their man.

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Shariff Floyd participates in a defensive drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that the Chiefs are not strong on the interior of their defensive line. They need help there in a big way. One of the players that could help Kansas City is this area is Shariff Floyd, a 6’3″, 297 defensive tackle from Florida. Floyd is probably not a candidate to be selected with the first overall pick but if the Chiefs trade that pick and move down a few spots, Floyd could be the guy to improve that D-line.

NFL.com summarized Floyd in their scouting report:

"…by the end of his sophomore year at Florida (he racked up 1.5 sacks against Ohio State in the team’s Gator Bowl win), Floyd began showing scouts the athleticism, strength, and motor they require in a top tackle prospect. He has been an incredibly important and versatile defender up front for Florida, playing both one and two-gap techniques at defensive end, one and three-technique, and as a true zero-technique nose tackle. While Floyd is rough around the edges and will take time to develop as a two-gapper, the Gator’s quickness, athleticism, and scheme versatility will make him coveted by 4-3 and 3-4 teams alike in the first round."

CBSSports.com likes his technique but worry about his his ability to rush mobile quarterbacks.

"STRENGTHS: Has a naturally powerful frame with wide shoulders, a surprisingly trim waistline and the thick lower-half conducive to anchoring as a two-gap defender and run-stuffing presence in the middle. Flashes a terrific initial burst off the snap, showing the quickness to split gaps or even challenge lethargic offensive tackles when he’s asked to line up wide.Uses his hands well to chop at blockers attempting to latch on to his chest, ripping away and showing a nice over-arm swim move. Good lateral agility to “get skinny” through gaps and shows enough short-area quickness to close when the ballcarrier is near. Has made gains each of his three seasons of collegiate football and could be just scratching the surface of his potential.WEAKNESSES: Remains rough around the edges. While quick off the snap, Floyd has a tendency to lose sight of the ball and get too caught up in hand-fighting with offensive linemen. Some of this is due to the fact that he often stands up at the snap, losing his natural leverage advantage, as well as his impressive combination of burst and strength.Has great initial quickness but does not appear to have the sustained quickness to translate into a consistent interior pass rush threat — at least not against today’s increasingly mobile dual-threat passers."

A look at the Chiefs 2013 schedule shows that Kansas City does not face many of the mobile quarterbacks being featured in offenses around the league. Only a December game against the Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin III matches the Chiefs up with a signal caller who is extremely mobile. If Floyd’s strength is applying pressure to pocket passers, the Chiefs’ schedule gives him to time to improve to the point that mobile quarterbacks don’t give him as much trouble.

Charlie Campbell at walterfootball.com made note of Floyd’s strengths, including fast, quick feet, good pass rushing and run stopping skills, that he is disruptive and instinctive, and that he should be able to play right away. Campbell does say that Floyd needs work on running plays directed right at him.

NEPatriotsdraft.com really like Floyd and think his best ball is in front of him.

"Sharrif Floyd is a disruptive max-effort player who creates havoc on a play to play basis. He displays a combination of quickness and power which allows him to control the line or scrimmage and get into the backfield. His hand use has developed to a point where it has become a strength and Floyd will consistently make plays due to his ability to chase down plays. Floyd’s main weaknesses can all be linked back to his high pad level and inconsistent technique, which are both correctable.Floyd is a player whose best football is ahead of him, he has made strides over the last two years and will continue to due so."

Shariff Floyd would be a big stretch for the Chiefs at the first overall pick. Head Coach Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey do not strike anyone as men who would stretch with a pick as valuable as the number one overall pick. Kansas City’s position is still fluid with a couple scenarios to yet play out. If they Chiefs trade down to the 5-12 range in this draft, Floyd would be a good selection for them at a position of need. Adding Floyd could allow last year’s first round pick Dontari Poe a chance to play defensive end if the Chiefs so choose.

Don’t look for Shariff Floyd to be an option if the Chiefs retain that 1st overall pick but keep an eye on him if Kansas City trades out of that pick. At some point, the Chiefs have to hit on a successful defensive lineman. If Floyd ends up in Kansas City, maybe he can be that guy.