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Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Vernon Butler

By Leigh Oleszczak

Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs are all about putting a strong defense out on the field. Could they be looking to add another strong defensive tackle in the 2016 NFL Draft?

The Kansas City Chiefs hold the 28th overall pick in this year’s draft, and John Dorsey has made it apparent over the last two years that he’s all about drafting a young, strong defense. If he continues that trend this year, Vernon Butler has a chance to be an early round pick for the Chiefs.

Butler, a senior out of Louisiana Tech, was the anchor of the defensive line during his college days. According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Butler is one of the most underrated defensive players available in this year’s draft.

"An inside player who plays well vs. the run. He’s tall, athletic and strong (26 bench lifts). His best position is nose tackle. He was a standout at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and could be one at the next level."

With the Chiefs potentially losing Justin Houston for the 2016 season, they might be more inclined to draft a strong defensive player early on. Butler would be a prime candidate due to his size and athleticism.

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Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash – 5.33 seconds
  • Bench press – 26 reps
  • Vertical jump – 29.5 inch
  • Broad jump – 104.0 inch
  • 3-cone drill – 7.82 seconds
  • 20-yard shuttle – 4.76 seconds

*=Combine top performer

Combine results courtesy of NFL.com’s Draft Tracker

Butler had 50 tackles and three sacks during his senior campaign in 2016, which got him a First-Team All-Conference USA honors. He had a total of 168 tackles and 28 and a half sacks in four seasons with Louisiana Tech.

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Butler looked to be completely unblockable during the Senior Bowl practices, according to CBS Sports, and plays with a high level of energy. He’s just as into the game from the first snap to the last snap, and is always engaged in what is going on.

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With the Chiefs needing help along the offensive line (offensive guard to be specific), at cornerback, and at wide receiver, I don’t see them going with Vernon Butler here. If they do choose to fill Justin Houston’s spot, they’ll likely go with a linebacker and go from there.

Vernon Butler is the type of player who could do wonders for a defense though. He’s big, athletic, and plays with a lot of energy. The negatives about him are that he sometimes struggles with controlling his blocks and doesn’t have a lot of sacks to his name.

Butler is a talented defensive tackle in a draft filled with strong defensive tackles. Look for him to go either late in the first round (CBS Sports seems to think the Broncos could snatch him up) or early in the second round.

Next: Top 15 Leaders in Rushing Yards

Would you want the Chiefs to call Vernon Butler’s name during the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft?

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