Kansas City Chiefs 2014 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Selecting The Chiefs Six Picks Using A Simulator

Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Kony Ealy (47) during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Number 23 Overall: Kony Ealy, Defensive End, Missouri

I took a completely different approach to this simulation than I did my first two. My original picks at this spot were Marqise Lee and Brandin Cooks, both being wide receivers. Instead, I’ve decided that the Chiefs should be looking defense first, as this draft class is filled with receiving talent. Which brings me to Ealy, the standout pass rusher from the University of Missouri.

With Calvin Pryor, HaSean Clinton-Dix, and Khalil Mack off the board, Ealy became my best defensive player available at number 23. Tamba Hali isn’t getting any younger and the Chiefs need to start looking at potential replacements. Here’s what Nolan Nawrocki of NFL.com has to say about him,

"STRENGHTS– Quick off the snap. Loose athlete. Moves like a linebacker — 6.83-second 3-cone drill paced defensive linemen at the combine. Plays on his feet. Runs the arc — dips his shoulder, bends the corner and gets home. Closes fast on the quarterback. Can spin off blocks, redirect and chase the quarterback. Crashes down the line and ranges in pursuit. Flexible and coordinated to zone-drop. Has upside."

He’s viewed as a player that has elite talent, he just needs time to develop and grow. What better place than Kansas City for that to happen? He can play right away without having to have all the pressure of being the Chiefs best pass rusher in his first season. His flaws, according to Nawrocki, are all things that are coachable,

"WEAKNESSES– Needs more time in the weight room. Still developing positional instincts and awareness to blocking schemes. Pad level is too high. Exposes his frame and gets locked up. Does not convert speed to power. Unrefined hand use, counters and pass-rush moves. Needs to learn to use his length advantageously."

All things he could easily learn while playing along side Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Kony Ealy could be a great pick if the Chiefs decide to go that direction and he was easily the first in my mock.