2018 NFL Mock Draft: KC Chiefs address quarterback depth issues

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ROUND 2: PICK 22 (54TH OVERALL) – ARDEN KEY, LSU (EDGE)

With their first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Arden Key out of LSU. Key has first round talent, but character questions and injury concerns are likely what caused him to fall to the Chiefs in the second round.

Key spent three years at LSU, racking up 129 tackles (24.5 for loss) and 20 sacks. Eleven of those 20 sacks came during Key’s sophomore season in 2016, which was his best season as a collegiate player.

The injuries are concerning, as Key missed the first two games of 2017 after having shoulder surgery during the offseason. He also sustained an injury to his finger and finished his junior campaign playing in just eight games.

The character questions are something to keep an eye on too, as Key took some time away from the LSU team last spring. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com writes,

"Evaluators are worried about his personal discipline. Left team for four months in spring of 2017 for “personal reasons” and had shoulder surgery during that time. Saw weight balloon up to 270 pounds."

The Chiefs have taken gambles on players with character concerns in the past (Marcus Peters, anyone?) and they’ve seemed to pan out okay. Key would provide the Chiefs with a pass rusher to pair with Justin Houston and even though there are red flags out there, Arden Key seems worth taking a chance on, especially with him plummeting to the second round.