KC Chiefs 2015 NFL Draft Wish List: First Round

3 of 5

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Number Three

The third best option for the KC Chiefs in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is inside linebacker Eric Kendricks.

More from Chiefs Draft Analysis

The KC Chiefs rush defense was the only thing that gave their offensive line a run for worst unit on the team in 2014. The Chiefs inability to stop the run single handily lost them an important division game against the Oakland Raiders last year which didn’t help them missing out on the playoffs.

Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito returning will be a boost for the KC Chiefs rush defense in 2015 but there are still areas to improve and one of them is the inside linebacker spot next to Johnson.

Kendricks is the undisputed best inside linebacker in the 2015 NFL Draft and like Dee Ford, he could be a surprise pick for the Chiefs in the first round.

"Eric is instinctive, aggressive and a more explosive hitter than his frame suggests. Closes quickly and with force. Light on his feet. Has good agility, flexibility and balance, especially as a pass rusher. Has the quickness and fluidity to be effective in coverage. -Courtesy of Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports"

Not only would Kendricks be an immediate upgrade of any of the other inside linebackers not named Derrick Johnson, but he would benefit well from learning from Johnson and could be his eventual replacement when he retires which will likely be two or three years from now.

Kendricks is the best inside linebacker, and 40th best overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports. Like Green-Beckham, the best case scenario is the KC Chiefs trade back and acquire more picks and are still able to select him late in the first round, but if the Chiefs truly feel that he is the best player available for their team I would be happy with them selecting him with the 18th pick in the first round.

Next: An Immediate Starter In The Secondary

Home/Chiefs Draft Analysis