KC Chiefs: 5 most realistic linebacker targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Realistic Linebacker Options for KC Chiefs

3. Baron Browning (Ohio State)

Another linebacker that the Chiefs should wait until the second round to draft is Baron Browning of Ohio State. Browning is someone who really could be a boom or bust type of talent and that’s why I’d rather KC wait until Day 2 to target him.

Browning was a good player for the Buckeyes and while he didn’t have as many games to showcase his skills, he still finished the 2020 season with 29 tackles (three for loss), two defended passes, and two forced fumbles (recovering both of them). He did this through seven games.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com describes Browning as a “frustrating” player to watch because he has the tools to be a good player but just hasn’t put them together yet. This obviously isn’t an ideal scenario for a potential first-round pick, which is why he’s a much better option for Day 2.

The Chiefs spent last year’s second-rounder on Willie Gay who was sort of in a similar boat as Browning. The two could be a nice duo to have down the road and if Browning does become the player he’s advertised as the linebacker group could easily go from a weakness to a strength.