KC Chiefs Go With Safe Pick In 2016 Mock Draft

Round 6 – Pick 185: Jared Norris (Inside Linebacker, Utah)

Don’t expect too much out of this pick if he even gets drafted. This pick was made based on CBS Sports’ determination that inside linebacker is a position of need and Jared Norris being the highest ranked player at that position.

I fully expect the Chiefs to try and work out a deal to keep Derrick Johnson. He is nearing the end of his career and may be willing to take a little less to play his entire career with the Chiefs. They also finally have a good team for him to play on. He’s been there for the bad, so it would be a shame to see him go in the middle of the good.

The Chiefs also have second year players Ramik Wilson and D.J. Alexander to fall back on if Johnson can’t be re-signed. Jared Norris would, at best, be a depth piece if not a practice squad player. He’s not very quick and struggles against the run.

Here is more analysis from his CBS sports’ draft profile:

"He doesn’t possess ideal speed or fluidity for coverage. Shows some stiffness in his hips, and will resort to lunging on occasion, leading to some missed tackles. Will be a liability covering NFL running backs and tight ends due to his athletic limitations."

Missed tackles and giving up big runs aren’t going to cut it as an inside linebacker. This years class of inside linebackers isn’t all that great to begin with. There are only three at the position projected to go in the first two rounds. When you’re used to seeing Derrick Johnson do everything in the middle of the field, the Chiefs aren’t likely to find his replacement late in the draft. At least not this year.

Next: Honor. Courage. Commitment.