KC Chiefs First Round Picks By John Dorsey: Dee Ford

Following a successful 2013 season that ended in heartbreaking fashion John Dorsey and the KC Chiefs had the opportunity to improve on their depth and attempt to make a good team great.

2014: DEE FORD

With their first round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft Dorsey, Reid, and the KC Chiefs shocked a majority of people when they selected Auburn outside linebacker Dee Ford. It wasn’t because Ford isn’t a good player but because Dorsey already had pro bowl outside linebackers in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.

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The writing seemed to be on the wall that Ford was brought in to replace the aging Hali. Hali didn’t look like a player that was aging though. In 2013 he had 39 tackles, seven assists, one interception, 11 sacks, and five forced fumbles.

Meanwhile Justin Houston solidified himself as one of the best outside linebackers in the entire league finishing with 40 tackles, four assists, 11 sacks, and one forced fumble. The scary thing about Houston in 2013 was that he had yet hit his prime.

Most people expect a first round pick to see significant time on the field. Even if the player doesn’t start they should be a big part as a back up. That was not the case for Ford in 2014 though.

Ford only managed three tackles, four assists, and 1.5 sacks. Meanwhile Hali and Houston put up another pro bowl caliber season.

Houston flirted with history putting up 59 tackles, nine assists, 22 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Houston missed the all time sack record for a single season by half a sack.

Hali did show signs that he was on the back half of his career but he still proved to be effective with 47 tackles, 12 assists, three forced fumbles, and six sacks.

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Hali proved to be the ultimate team player after the 2014 season when rumors swirled that the KC Chiefs were preparing to part ways with him. Hali restructured his contract with the Chiefs saving them $3 million in cap space.

With the more cap friendly contract by Hali, Ford may get his opportunity to take control of the starting role and Hali may move to a more pass rush specialist role. It is hard to tell though because Hali played the run very well in 2014 so Ford will certainly have to earn his spot.

While Ford has only completed one professional season, having three tackles, four assists, and 1.5 sacks as a first round pick is underwhelming. Like Fisher, Ford will have a lot to prove in 2015 to be considered a successful draft pick.

Ford definitely has the physical ability to be really good in the NFL which he displayed on this ESPN Sports Science feature before the draft.

Next: KC Chiefs First Round Draft Picks By John Dorsey: Eric Fisher