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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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BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O’Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O’Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Dorian O’Daniel

With the Chiefs second selection in the 3rd round, they selected Dorian O’Daniel out of Clemson. PFF ranked this pick as the Chiefs best of the draft. O’Daniel is another player that will have a unique playing opportunity for Kansas City.

Dorian was yet another pick that the Chiefs made specifically for the schemes Kansas City uses. He should be able to step in immediately at the nickel linebacker spot, similar to what we saw defensive coordinator Bob Sutton do with Daniel Sorenson last season, and Eric Berry in the past.

The Chiefs clearly went for a creative route when making their selections during the draft. The departure of Derrick Johnson left a pretty substantial hole, especially in coverage from the linebacker situation. The addition of O’Daniel fills that void perfectly.

O’Daniel put up the best three-cone and shuttle times at the linebacker situation in the NFL Combine. His athleticism is second to none at the position. He is a smaller linebacker, but the way the league is headed, there have been smaller linebackers making names for themselves such as Telvin Smith.

Dorian may not be a starter per say this season, but he will definitely make an impact when he is on the field. He should be another situational guy that fills a need and does so well. Look for him to be used a bunch on special teams as well as a good share of defensive snaps, particularly in nickel packages.

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