2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Ben Gedeon
By Ben Almquist
If the Kansas City Chiefs are truly in the market for an inside linebacker, Ben Gedeon of Michigan may be a good choice in the middle rounds.
There seems to be a good chance that the Kansas City Chiefs will be drafting an inside linebacker this year. The Chiefs have hosted a number of draft prospects and veteran free agents at the position. If KC does choose to draft an interior linebacker, Ben Gedeon seems to be a quality option in the middle rounds.
The Chiefs have especially been showing interest in players that would play next to Derrick Johnson. That may be a bit surprising for some people as the common talk is that they need an heir to Johnson. However, the Chiefs already have a couple of players who may eventually fill that role.
Kansas City linebacker Ramik Wilson has already shown that he has the ability to make plays. There is also some good potential in Justin March-Lillard. However, neither player, or DJ Alexander, appears to be a fit in the “thumper” role that would line up next to Derrick Johnson. That is something that needs to be addressed.
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The kind of linebacker that the Chiefs need is someone who can attack the line of scrimmage and occupy blockers. This allows Derrick Johnson, and eventually his heir at the position, to get into the backfield and make plays. That is something KC was definitely lacking last year.
I would draft Ben Gedeon just for how he attacks special teams play.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 6, 2017
Ben Gedeon – ILB – Michigan
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There are some players who simply make an impact through pure effort, and that is the type of player that Ben Gedeon is. He’s the type of guy teams like to have on the roster because he’s going to play every snap at full effort. He may not be the best athlete on the field, but he doesn’t let that hold him back.
Ben Gedeon is tough and smart, showing the ability to diagnose plays and the willingness to mix it up. Attacking linebacker who challenges linemen at the line of scrimmage. Shows stack and shed ability to fight off blocks. Had a strong showing at the Combine to highlight strength and quickness. Was a Special Teams ace at Michigan.
On the downside, Ben Gedeon is not an elite level athlete. He is easily beaten in space by receivers and doesn’t have the speed to recover. Despite high effort level, is not a sure tackler. Gedeon is a liability in coverage and would have to come off the field in passing situations.
Ultimately, Ben Gedeon could be what the Chiefs are looking for as a block eating linebacker. His ability to attack the line and close holes will be attractive. However, if you are thinking about a replacement for Derrick Johnson, Gedeon simply is not the guy you want.
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The Kansas City Chiefs look like they may be re-tooling some portions of the defense. Getting a guy who can attack blockers at the line of scrimmage would fit in that mold. It is an underrated position in the Chiefs defense, but we have seen how important it is. The “thumper” is vital to keeping Derrick Johnson (and his eventual heir) free to make plays.