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Todd McShay Mock Draft 4.0: KC Chiefs Address Center Position

By Leigh Oleszczak

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Todd McShay released his fourth mock draft on Monday and had the KC Chiefs going after a different position for once. McShay projected the Kansas City Chiefs to draft Florida State center Cameron Erving with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Here was McShay’s reasoning,

"Even after trading for guard Ben Grubbs, the Chiefs still need help on their offensive line. Erving has very good length and athleticism for the center position and could step right in to replace Rodney Hudson, who signed with the Raiders in free agency, but he also has the versatility to help out at multiple spots along the line if he’s need to in 2015 or going forward, having also played left tackle in college. The addition of Jeremy Maclin in free agency makes wide receiver a less pressing need."

I would actually be okay with this pick. The Chiefs put themselves in a position this off season to draft the best available player come draft day. If Cameron Erving is the best player available, then take him.

Like McShay said, Rodney Hudson split for Oakland during free agency and while Eric Kush has been groomed for a situation like this, it doesn’t hurt to play it safe in the NFL. Erving would add not only a solid center, but he has experience with other positions along the offensive line as well.

Combine Results

More from Chiefs Draft Analysis

  • 40-yard dash – 5.15 seconds
  • Bench press – 30 reps*
  • Vertical jump – 30.5 inch
  • Broad jump – 112.0 inch*
  • 3-cone drill – 7.48 seconds*
  • 20-yard shuttle – 4.63 seconds

* = Combine top performer

Results courtesy of NFL.com

Erving had an excellent showing at the Combine, and will likely be a popular target for teams that need help at the center position. Normally I would say to wait later on and draft a guy like B.J. Finney from Kansas State in the later rounds, but Erving could be the type of player who would be in Kansas City for the majority of his career.

"Former defensive lineman who is still learning the nuances of offensive-line play after just two seasons as a starter. Has the length and foot quickness to play tackle, but film work shows that he will have a much more successful career at center. Possesses skill set and temperament to show rapid development. Could be a Day 1 starter, but a year of seasoning would help. – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com"

McShay has previously had the KC Chiefs going after wide receivers in all of his prior mock drafts. The first one had the Chiefs taking Kevin White out of West Virginia and the second and third ones had Kansas City drafting Dorial Green-Beckham. I was fine with the White selection, but not so much with the DGB choice. I would much rather the Kansas City Chiefs draft Cameron Erving though.

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