KC Chiefs 2015 NFL Draft Wish List: Day Two
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Number Two
Eric Kendricks was my pick to be drafted by the KC Chiefs with the 18th pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft but the Chiefs selected Marcus Peters and Kendricks slipped out of the first round.
The KC Chiefs already have a Pro Bowl caliber inside linebacker in Derrick Johnson but he is not getting any younger and while he may have two or three solid years left in his career the Chiefs do need to find a replacement soon to give time for him to develop and learn from Johnson.
The Chiefs also need insurance in case Johnson goes down with an injury again like in 2014. When Johnson and DeVito went down the KC Chiefs rush defense turned into one of the worst in the league. Joe Mays, James-Michael Johnson, and Josh Mauga were unable to step up in Johnson’s absence so the Chiefs need to improve this off-season to prevent that from happening again.
"Above average play speed with natural acceleration to cover every inch of the field…smooth footwork in his drops with the fluid lower body to stay low and unlock his hips…reads his keys with excellent reaction quickness and initial burst, staying patient, but trusting his eyes…terrific blend of competitiveness and smarts…sticks his nose in the fire with a motor that won’t quit until after the whistle, no exceptions – not a spectator. -Courtesy of Dane Brugler of CBS Sports"
Like Green-Beckham I would be in favor of the KC Chiefs packaging some picks together to move up and select Kendricks. Kendricks could come in and start next to Johnson day one for the Chiefs and hopefully for years to come. The Chiefs have the ammo but like Green-Beckham do they hold Kendricks as high as I do?
Kendricks is rated as the best inside linebackers, and the 40th best overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports. The Chiefs select 49th so they will likely need to move up to select Kendricks but the price may be a little cheaper to move up for Kendricks than it would be for Green-Beckham.
Next: The Best Player Available