2018 NFL Mock Draft: First KC Chiefs mock draft after free agency

ROUND 3 – PICK 14 (78TH OVERALL): HAYDEN HURST, TE (SOUTH CAROLINA)

While the offensive side of the ball appears to be stacked, the Chiefs shouldn’t completely ignore the depth (or lack thereof) behind Travis Kelce at tight end. Kelce is a one of a kind player, of course, but if he goes down, Demetrius Harris isn’t stepping in and giving the Chiefs close to what Kelce does. Yes, Ben Watson is in talks to join the Chiefs, but until that happens, tight end is still a position of need.

To be fair, not many players could do that, but Hayden Hurst out of South Carolina would be a better backup option than what the Chiefs have had. For one, he’s about as big as the last player we discussed (Leighton Vander Esch) at 6’4″ and 250 pounds. He’s also reliable in the receiving game, only having dropped one pass in his three years at South Carolina, according to NFL.com (linked below).

Last year, Hurst totaled 44 receptions for 559 yards and two touchdowns for the Gamecocks. Remember – His role wouldn’t be to come in and be the next big thing at tight end, but more to be a nice depth piece for Patrick Mahomes and company.

A knock on Hurst is that he’ll be 25 years old when the season begins, as he spent two years in minor league baseball before returning to school to play football. His blocking could also use some work.

What the experts are saying…

"His fearless play demeanor combined with size, strength and athleticism make him a well-rounded prospect with the versatility to line up all over the field. He’s sure-handed and could become a young quarterback’s safety blanket if he improves elements of his route running. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"

Next: WITH THE 86TH OVERALL PICK…