2018 NFL Mock Draft: KC Chiefs address quarterback depth issues

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ROUND 3: PICK 14 (78TH OVERALL) – DARIUS LEONARD, LB (SOUTH CAROLINA STATE)

The only thing really holding Darius Leonard back from being a bigger name in this year’s draft is the fact that he attends a smaller school in South Carolina State. Leonard fills a position of need for Kansas City, so why not go after him early on?

Leonard won the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and definitely deserved it. He had 124 tackles and three and a half sacks that year. That’s the kind of production the Chiefs could really use on their defense.

Something to keep an eye on with Leonard is that he has put on significant weight since playing at South Carolina State, but Lance Zierlien of NFL.com still likes what he sees in the prospect.

"He lacks play strength and there are times you want to see more nasty in his field demeanor, but he has the traits and talent to become a good, three-down linebacker who can play 3-4 inside backer or 4-3 WILL."

Ben Almquist has Leonard as a third round prospect on his second draft board, noting that he didn’t really stand out, but also didn’t appear to be overwhelmed in the moment. This is a player that might need some time to develop before being thrown into a starting role, but it could turn into a great situation in Kansas City for Darius Leonard.