KC Chiefs could address linebacker with safety in 2020 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
For the KC Chiefs to address their linebacker group going forward, would the organization be best served looking backwards for help?
Many fans are hoping that the Kansas City Chiefs address the depth at their linebacker position and help fortify that position group this offseason.
Beyond concerns about defensive tackle Chris Jones and the questions of who will play corner this upcoming season, there are questions aplenty at linebacker after this organization continues to allocate resources towards the position with limited returns.
Should the Chiefs look to do something different to change their fortunes? Well, I have an idea.
The 2020 NFL Draft has a few safety prospects that have the athleticism and skill set to contribute at linebacker for the Chiefs. With a roster of linebackers limited in their ability to make plays in space, the Chiefs already have the classic ‘between the tackles’ type player covered.
What the Chiefs need, what they seemingly can’t get squared away, is a linebacker capable of covering backs out of the backfield and playing in space. Instead of continuing to bang their heads against a wall on this, let’s try something different.
Here are three names that would not require a significant draft investment. All three are safeties currently big enough to add some weight and struggle as a pure safety, but are often decent at least tackling.
- Tanner Muse, Clemson (6-2/227)
On a defense loaded with stars, Muse has played a multitude of roles. With good size and good physicality, Muse’s strengths are tackling and pursuit. With coaching and patience, he could be a bigger, faster more athletic version of Daniel Sorensen, and perhaps play a similar type role.
This comes from The Draft Network on Muse,
"Given his physical traits, Muse should get more opportunities to function in man coverage on bigger slots and tight ends. Additionally, Muse’s size and strength could lead to opportunities to play closer to the line of scrimmage in more of an attacking role. Should he achieve these opportunities, Muse has the upside to illustrate a more versatile and complete skill set."
- Brian Cole, Mississippi State (6-2/213)
A nice athlete that has played in the SEC West, Cole has played a lot of box safety and slot linebacker for the Mississippi State football program. Tweener is the best way I can describe his play, as he isn’t big enough to be a linebacker, but was not instinctive or quick enough to truly be a presence in coverage.
However, if the Chiefs were patient, knowing they would spend the 2020 season working on weight gain and linebacker technique, he could be a contributor down the road while lending a hand on special teams as a rookie.
The Draft Network had this to say,
"Brings a large tackle radius and good downhill explosiveness when closing into the boundary."
- Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech
An undersized safety at Virginia Tech, Floyd is a physical thumping safety that can struggle as a safety, especially deep. His best attribute perhaps is his willingness to tackle.
He does show an ability to tackle in space on running backs and tight ends. He’s shorter than preferred at six feet tall, and does appear a bit lanky, so perhaps could add weight. Floyd has played special teams at Virginia Tech and I’d imagine, in all likelihood, he would see a majority of snaps on special teams.
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The KC Chiefs tried this before many years ago with Larry Atkins. Drafted out of UCLA as a safety, he proved to slow for the position, so he was moved to linebacker. He wasn’t really able to pick up that position either and left after four seasons.
We’re living in different times obviously, but this is definitely something to consider. In a league that is predominantly passing on every down, linebackers that can cover both in defense and in ground to attack a ball carrier are vitally important.
What do you think about this idea, Chiefs Kingdom?