Kansas City Chiefs: First round draft options in 2019 NFL Draft

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University of Washington defensive back Byron Murphy (1) (Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Drafting late in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, there are a pool of players that could be available and would make sense for the Kansas City Chiefs long-term.

Early in the process and before the Combine, there are a few position groups and players that could make sense for the Kansas City Chiefs if they decide to stay with the 29th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Who makes sense and why, and maybe who doesn’t fit the bill? I’ll break it down by positions of need for Kansas City.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT OPTIONS – DEFENSIVE BACK

Defensive back is the quick and easy go-to for mock drafters when it comes to the Chiefs. There are question marks at both safety and at corner with starter Steven Nelson not likely to return next season, Orlando Scandrick becoming a free agent, and Daniel Sorensen a likely cap cut. Also, will Eric Berry play in 2019 with the Chiefs?

Here are some options the Chiefs should strongly look at in April.

Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

A tall, rangy safety from the Crimson Tide, Thompson’s coverage skills and experience likely allows him to step in immediately as a starter for the Chiefs. Three forced fumbles, three interceptions and six passess defensed this past season for the National Runner-Up football team. Thompson displays instincts and is a great fit to play close to the line of scrimmage and his ideal fit is a pass covering, ‘centerfield’ type player.

Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

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More a combination safety than Thompson, Adderly has experience playing both corner and safety. Not quite as instinctive perhaps as Thompson, but has more experience playing closer to the line of scrimmage and displays better tackling form. Adderly has good blood lines, as he is related to Packers legend Herb Adderly.

Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

Where he goes will be something interesting to follow. Murphy is a great athlete and has great size for the position and comes from the same program that has produced, among others, Marcus Peters and Marcus Trufant. Murphy has great feet and displays solid man coverage and ball skills, with six interceptions the past two seasons along with 58 tackles and a forced fumble. If Murphy is on the board at 29, the Chiefs time on the clock would be short. The question is will he be on the board.

Players Not Listed

Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia: Quality corner, but not good enough to warrant a first when he’s not much better then some options in round two.

Taylor Rapp, S, Washington: Classic box safety with size and athleticism, but the Chiefs are in need of coverage more than box-style players, first may be to high regardless.

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