KC Chiefs: Potential Defensive Tackle Prospects in 2019 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
A new defensive scheme will need new bodies to help a unit that has gone backwards in the past three seasons. What names would make sense at defensive tackle for the KC Chiefs?
With the new defensive coordinator coming to town, the Kansas City Chiefs will need to help their depth along the defensive line, specifically along the interior. What players could interest the Chiefs as the 2019 NFL Draft progresses this April that will help transform the Chiefs defense?
DEFENSIVE TACKLE PROSPECTS – ROUND ONE
DEXTER LAWRENCE – CLEMSON
Dexter Lawrence, a massive football player, stands 6’4″ and 340 pounds. Able to take up space and push the pocket, Lawrence is a force to be reckoned with along the interior of the defensive line. More athletic and agile than perhaps his body would indicate, Lawrence is a massive, versatile tackle prospect.
The Chiefs appear all but certain to be shifting to a 4-3 defense that requires to tackles in the middle of the line. Derrick Nnadi played well as a rookie and has experience in this scheme and Xavier Williams is a potential cap cut and not under contract past 2019. Lawrence next to Nnadi would be a big, strong run stuffing, pocket pushing duo for the next few years.
Lawrence really, if he is going to play in a 4-3, likely could use to lose some weight in the NFL. While the junior is big and strong and can get push, he lacks a great first step off the snap, and at times can gets caught in the wash. If he can improve his acceleration and movement off the ball, combined with his size and strength, he can be a force along the interior.
The Chiefs are going to select a defensive lineman and are likely to do so early. Will Lawrence interest the Chiefs? Hard to say. They may very well prefer a more defensive end prospect than a tackle, but if Lawrence is on the board at pick 29, his name will be discussed by Veach and the front office.