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Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting rookie playing time for 2018

By Chris Taylor

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (LB29) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (LB29) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 18: Darius Wade #4 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Derrick Nnadi #91 of the Florida State Seminoles at Alumni Stadium on September 18, 2015 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 18: Darius Wade #4 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Derrick Nnadi #91 of the Florida State Seminoles at Alumni Stadium on September 18, 2015 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Derrick Nnadi

Derrick Nnadi was one of the nation’s top run stoppers last season. The criticism from experts with this pick was the lack of pass rush ability from Nnadi. If you watched the Chiefs last season, then you know exactly why the Chiefs made this pick in the third round. The Chiefs needed a run stopper.

According to PFF, Nnadi was shut out in seven different games when it came to acquiring a pass rush. He ranked tied for 30th among his position in that category, which isn’t draft-worthy standing by itself. However, in 2016 he ranked tied for fifth in total pressures.

In a what have you done for me lately world, it is concerning to think he will be useless in the pass rush, but he has shown he can do it in the past.

The Chiefs aren’t stupid though, they drafted him to be a presence in the run stop category. There they couldn’t have picked a better defensive tackle in the draft than Nnadi. The Chiefs have been searching for someone to stop the interior run game for years, they finally have him. They drafted for need in the 3rd round, grabbing a tackle that will help immediately and should see the field plenty.

Expect Nnadi to take the starting nose tackle position by week one. This was a huge grab by Kansas City. Anytime a team can address a pressing need like the Chiefs did while becoming a potential starter as well, it’s a good pick.

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