Chiefs 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Potential Chris Jones Replacement Among Upside Picks

3. Junior Colson, LB - Michigan (Pick 95)

This was the easiest pick of the draft for me. Both Willie Gay Jr. and Drue Tranquill need new contracts, so it's likely the Chiefs need to bolster the linebacker room. What better player to add than the leader of the No. 1 defense in college football?

Listed as the No. 39 overall prospect by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Colson had 196 total tackles over the last two seasons with sideline-to-sideline speed and an adept understanding of blocking schemes and defensive flow. As Brugler put it, "I only need one hand to count the missed tackles I charted off his 2023 tape."

Steve Spagnuolo raves about Nick Bolton's intelligence and ability to lead the defense, and it's hard not to be reminded of Bolton when you watch Colson. We know Spags values versatility as well, and Colson is athletic enough to hold his own in coverage.

He's a well-rounded, intelligent defender with no obvious weaknesses. That's a player the Chiefs can work with, and he'd be a steal in the third round in my eyes.

After snagging two high-upside guys in the first two rounds, getting a high-floor, plug-and-play linebacker here makes sense.