Kansas City Chiefs: Wish list for 2019 NFL Draft

Justin Layne, Cornerback, Michigan State

Layne is an interesting prospect, with really great height at 6’3″ and is a really great athlete, as he was recruited to Michigan State as a wide receiver. I do have some concerns about his technique and refinement, especially with his feet and hips, an issue commonly found in tall cornerbacks.

He does, however, show on tape an ability to play both zone and press man. If you trust your new defensive back coaches to help refine technique, Layne could be develop into a truly high end type corner. If he’s unable to refine his footwork, his career may look much like Julian Battle, a tall corner the Chiefs tried to develop many years ago.

Deionte Thompson, Safety, Alabama

At one point, Deionte Thompson might have been regard as the top safety in the draft. Thompson has seen his stock take a hit in part due to concerns over what his weight is, his lack of tackling, and a recent wrist surgery doesn’t help.

Safeties also will ‘slide’ (cornerbacks move up this time of year, safeties go the other direction due to positional important) as well so, depending on how the board shakes out, does a center fielder safety like Thompson make it to the Chiefs in round two? He will have to learn how to tackle under control better (tape shows him going full speed, leading to poor angles, or missed tackles), but could be a good safety.