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Kansas City Chiefs trade up for huge DT Reginald McKenzie

By Britt Zank

January 1, 2016: Kahlil McKenzie (1) Tennessee Volunteers defensive linemen tackles Justin Jackson (21) Northwestern Wildcats running back during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Tennessee Vols Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Skip Williams/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Skip Williams/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
January 1, 2016: Kahlil McKenzie (1) Tennessee Volunteers defensive linemen tackles Justin Jackson (21) Northwestern Wildcats running back during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Tennessee Vols Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Skip Williams/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Skip Williams/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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The Kansas City Chiefs traded their two seventh-round picks to get to pick 198 overall to select a defensive tackle, Reginald McKenzie Jr.

After trading both of their seventh-round picks to the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs finished their 2018 draft by taking Reginald Kahlil McKenzie Jr. McKenzie was the sixth defensive player drafted by the Chiefs this year giving them a completely defensive draft.

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General manager Brett Veach stuck with what he knows by staying in the SEC and taking McKenzie out of the University of Tennessee. The 6’3 220lb nose tackle is a monster of a man with the pedigree to back it up as his name sound familiar to Chiefs’ fans. His father is non-other than Oakland Raiders general manager Reginald McKenzie Sr and his uncle is Raleigh McKenzie who was a member of the great Washington Redskin’s “Hogs” offensive line.

McKenzie is a very good run defender who has a strong first push and devours double teams. He has a strong upper body with big hands that he uses well to move opposing players. He has shorter arms than teams normally like, but he uses his strength and hands well enough to overcome the arm length.

He would need work in the pass rush as he has no moves besides his initial bull rush. He doesn’t trust his instincts and can be fooled on counters and trap plays leaving him out of position. He looks to maximize his abilities on the defensive side as a two-down backup nose tackle who is tough against the run.

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That is not all he brings to the table, however as he is expected by some to move to the offensive side of the ball into a guard position. He has the ideal size and strength to transition to an interior offensive line spot. Let’s not forget he once again has some pedigree with his uncle being a 16 year veteran as an offensive lineman.

What he would bring to the offensive side of the ball is a nasty defensive attitude that the Chiefs offense needs. Everything that makes him a solid run defender could be turned around and made into a solid run blocker. His ability to get off the ball with a hard first step and strength to push the line makes him an ideal guard talent.

Obviously, he will need time and is a project for the offensive line, but the end of the sixth round is the perfect place to take that kind of player. Neither OL or DL is a place he’ll be needed to produce in 2018 so he can take the year to learn and grow as a player. I do think he’ll be made into guard full time, but it never hurts to have someone with experience on the DL there in case of emergency. He’s a swiss army knife on the line and will it never hurts to have someone with a good reason to take it to the Raiders when picking a new Chief.

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