KC Chiefs: Potential Defensive Tackle Prospects in 2019 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
DEFENSIVE TACKLE PROSPECTS – ROUND FOUR
KHALEN SAUNDERS – WESTERN ILLINOIS
A YouTube sensation for being able to do a back flip at over 300 pounds, Khalen Saunders is an intriguing small school prospect from FCS level Western Illinois. With good size for the position at 6’2″ and 310 pounds, there is plenty of potential with the small school kid to develop into a contributing, pursuing tackle the Chiefs are looking for.
There is still work to do with Saunders, as he’s not the player you want trying to overpower offensive linemen, as lining up over a lineman is not his strength. He works best getting up the field using his size and quickness to cause disruptions. When asked to get up the field, Saunders is capable of being a force, as is seen by 6.5 sacks as a senior and an additional five quarterback hurries during his senior season.
Intriguing and athletic, Saunders would be an interesting option for the Chiefs.
The defense could use an additional body that can get up field quickly, and the FCS product has shown he can do that. He did so both at Western Illinois and at the Senior Bowl, pushing guards back and recording a sack in the big game.