2015 NFL Mock Draft: KC Chiefs Focus On Offense

Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker A.J. Tarpley (17) against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs had a stellar defense last year EXCEPT for their run defense. Losing Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito in the first game of the season hurt the defense tremendously and they never did quite recover, despite not allowing a rushing touchdown until week 12 (surprising, I know).

Yes, Johnson and DeVito will both be back, but both might not be in Kansas City too much longer. It’s time to possibly look at replacing Derrick Johnson and the Chiefs could consider doing just that with A.J. Tarpley of Stanford.

"Good football intelligence. Instructional-video quality tackling when he locks on. Stays square and slides from gap to gap stalking runner. Takes good angles chasing wide and is adequate space tackler. Efficient mover with decent hips and feet. Used to spy UCLA QB Brett Hundley. Can cover backs and tight ends. Zone aware. Football runs in his family with father and brother both playing college football. Starter for most of the last four years for physical stop unit. – Zierlein’s evaluation of Tarpley’s strengths"

The good news is that Johnson will still be starting next season, which would give Tarpley at least one full season to learn the ropes from one of the best linebackers in the game. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Next: More Offensive Players