Kansas City Chiefs: 8 must-target prospects from smaller schools

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 3: Defensive back Robert Rochell #9 of Central Arkansas returns a fumble for a touchdown against UAB during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Legion Field on September 3, 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 3: Defensive back Robert Rochell #9 of Central Arkansas returns a fumble for a touchdown against UAB during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Legion Field on September 3, 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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Kansas City Chiefs: 8 must-target prospects from smaller schools
Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles quarterback Jack Abraham (15) is sacked by Tulane Green Wave defensive end Cameron Sample (5) -Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs: Prospects from smaller schools

Cameron Sample, DL, Tulane

At some point, somewhere, the Chiefs are going to get a defensive lineman, and in fact, they may at some point end up with two. Cameron Sample is an intriguing prospect as he’s a tweener, which at times can be a benefit and at other times create an issue. Sample is not nearly big enough (6’2″/268) to play inside, but, as a left defensive end or a rotational lineman, Sample provides a lot of value.

What keeps the Tulane product out of the higher rounds is that he doesn’t appear likely to be a great pass rusher. However, if the Chiefs can help him add some weight, Sample, with a strong lower half and strong hands can be a classic push lineman, which is the guy that helps contain one side while the pass rush comes from the other side.

Not all lineman are pass rushers, but Sample is athletic enough to be a rotational, depth piece on the Chiefs’ defensive line, and the Chiefs love to rotate linemen throughout a game and a season. With Derrick Nnadi a free agent in 2022 and Frank Clark’s contract making it unlikely he returns next season, expect a name to be added this season.