Kansas City Chiefs: Setting 2018 rookie expectations
By Kyle Hull
Breeland Speaks, Linebacker, Ole Miss
In the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the KC Chiefs had zero draft selections due to the trade with the Buffalo Bills in order to snag Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Brett Veach and company had pick number 54 – a late second round draft pick as their first projected draft selection.
However, Veach did not settle, as he traded up eight spots to snag outside linebacker Breeland Speaks. Speaks is a raw prospect out of Ole Miss and has a high ceiling with incredible potential. What I love about Speaks is that he has every trait needed to succeed as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
Some consider Speaks a reach at pick number 46, while others could not be happier with the selection. According to a majority of the media, Speaks was a reach. But, this did not change the mindset of the scouting mastermind in Veach.
Throughout many NFL fan sites on the internet, Speaks was projected a third to fourth round pick. General manager Brett Veach obviously felt as if other teams were also trying to snag Speaks in round two.
The short-term expectations for Speaks is a backup defensive end.
So, where should we set our expectation on Speaks, as he transitions his way into the NFL? As of now, I have Speaks backing up the injury-prone Dee Ford. With Ford and his injuries, Speaks very well could see plenty of football field this season.
Basically, the short-term expectations for Speaks is a backup defensive end, who will be fighting for a starting spot. In fact, if the injuries continue to pile up on Ford, we can expect Speaks to be the next man up.
Long-term, if all things pan out, Speaks should be starting on this defense. A few seasons of perfecting his position, Speaks should be able to dominate with his genetic build, and explosive dynamics.