2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Karter Schult
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs are showing interest in drafting linebackers. Karter Schult of Northern Iowa is a player that may catch their eye in the middle rounds.
It has been a bit surprising how much interest the Kansas City Chiefs have shown in outside linebackers this offseason. Chiefs scouts and personnel officials have met with a number of pass rushers for the upcoming draft. If KC decides to wait until the middle rounds to get an outside linebacker, Karter Schult of Northern Iowa could be a good candidate.
There is no denying that the Chiefs didn’t get the results they had hoped for from their pass rush in 2016. Justin Houston struggled with injury, Tamba Hali‘s age has clearly slowed him down, and Dee Ford has not yet become reliable. The combination of those aspects led to a pass rush that simply didn’t get the job done.
The Chiefs do have some young talent in their outside linebacker corps. There is a lot to like about both Dadi Nicolas and Victor Ochi. However, this is a position where you can consistently turnover the middle and bottom of the depth chart. Kansas City needs to keep bringing in competition until someone emerges as a reliable option.
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One aspect of the outside linebacker position that shouldn’t be forgotten about is the “contain” role. That is the responsibility for stopping the run and short passing games to the outside. The Chiefs do have some quality ability in this area, but more is always welcome.
🚨SAUCE ALERT🚨 @karter_schult hit 30-reps on 225lb bench at his Pro Day‼️Dreams turning into #NFL plans‼️#nfldraft #bEASTtx #TeamAPEC pic.twitter.com/ntLi8LmIaB
— APEC (@teamAPEC) March 29, 2017
Karter Schult – OLB – Northern Iowa
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Some guys can just impose their will on others, and that’s what Karter Schult did at Northern Iowa. Schult was simply bigger and badder than the guys he went up against, and wasn’t afraid to show it. The end result was some pretty impressive numbers that show his ability to work in the backfield.
Karter Schult is a powerful man who utilizes a strong bull rush. Excellent motor to keep up a high level of effort late into the game. Wins with consistent strength and tenacity. He has a notable work ethic and has received praise as a leader.
On the downside, Karter Schult doesn’t have much in the way of athleticism for a football player. Very limited player in space, and has trouble moving laterally. Schult doesn’t have the speed to get upfield on blockers, or the quickness to utilize misdirection. He has shorter arms that make it tough to disengage blockers.
Truth be told, I actually like Karter Schult more as an inside linebacker. I think his size and skill set would actually make him a better fit lining up next to Derrick Johnson. There his strength would serve a better purpose in taking on blockers. On the outside, I just don’t see him as having the necessary athleticism to be a reliable player.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are in the market for a pass rusher, but sometimes that search can lead to another position. A guy like Karter Schult may be billed at one position when he actually fits somewhere else. Since the Chiefs are also looking for an inside linebacker, this may end up being a pretty good fit.