2018 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs look to go best available at position of need
By Britt Zank
ROUND 4 – PICK 24 (124TH OVERALL): MICAH KISER, ILB (VIRGINIA)
The Chiefs have two solid starters at middle linebacker in Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens, but they have nothing behind them. This lack of depth makes middle linebacker a position of need and if Micah Kiser is there at this pick he’ll easily be the best player available.
In three years as a starter at Virginia Kiser averaged 132 tackles and six sacks a season. He’s a strong man who is good at shedding blocks and rarely fails to bring down someone he gets a hand on. He’s not a fast player but he’s got great instincts to read and react quickly to be where he needs to be.
He’s not just a run stuffer though as he’s also solid in coverage. He gets good depth and takes good angles in a zone while having the instincts to handle man coverage. His average speed makes him susceptible to faster tight ends and backs, but his instincts keep him close.
He’s a solid player who with a high upside. A good backup and special teamer who could push himself into the starting lineup by the start of the 2019 season.
What the experts are saying…
"Kiser’s impressive production didn’t happen on accident and teams will have to weigh his consistent ability to make plays with his modest athletic ability and overall play speed. Kiser is a banger built to play inside the box, but he has limited range and may not offer much coverage ability. Unless he runs well and puts together a solid workout, he could fall in this draft, but his toughness and production give him a shot to be a backup. -Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"