2018 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs look to go best available at position of need
By Britt Zank
ROUND 3 – PICK 14 (78TH OVERALL): R.J. MCINTOSH, DL (MIAMI)
I’m sure this pick won’t make many Chiefs fans happy going defensive line with back to back picks but going by the best available player at a position of need this still fits. As poorly as the defensive line played last season, especially against the run, they can use all the help they can get there.
R.J. McIntosh will bring another high motor beast to a soft finesse defensive line. The 6’4 295lb defensive lineman was a disruptive force for the Hurricanes last season. He recorded 103 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He made a living getting into the backfield, even recording nine pass deflections.
A true junior he is only three years removed from high school and still shows some inconsistency. His highlight real screams of a first-round talent, but when you watch a full game you see why he would drop to the third round.
He would be a reach in the second round, but in the third round, he’s a steal. He has a frame that could easily carry another 20 to 25 pounds making him an ideal candidate at nose tackle. With veteran Xavier Williams on the roster to hold the fort and train the rookie, I could easily see McIntosh starting the year as the backup but ending as the starter.
What the experts are saying…
"Athletic defensive tackle with the speed and quickness to make impact plays, but the lack of core strength to give up big plays against the run. McIntosh has developmental potential to work with and should take a big step forward once he learns to work his hands as a pass rusher. While he has disruptive potential, he has to get his play strength to a functional level in order to hold up as an every-down player. While teams will likely view him as a defensive tackle, McIntosh could fit as a base 4-3 end with the ability to reduce inside on passing downs. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"