Chiefs Pick Local Star as L'Jarius Sneed Replacement in ESPN Mock Draft

Mock draft season is underway and the Chiefs have the luxury of picking the best player available when it's their turn in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unlike some teams, such as the Bills, Kansas City can target their favorite option regardless of position.

In the latest ESPN mock draft by Field Yates, the Chiefs found a replacement for L'Jarius Sneed by drafting Missouri Tigers CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Originally from Texas, the physical corner would give the Chiefs a pair of first-rounders in the secondary alongside All-Pro Trent McDuffie.

While Kansas City could target an offensive lineman or wide receiver, Rakestraw would help keep the team's secondary among the best in the league.

Chiefs Select Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw in ESPN Mock Draft

As Yates put it, "Rakestraw is a tailor-made fit for this roster, as he plays with an edge, similar to Sneed. Few corners can impose their will on a game like Rakestraw did at the collegiate level; that will travel to the pros."

His excellent man coverage skills would fit right into Steve Spagnuolo's scheme. With impressive young players like McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson to complete the secondary, Rakestraw is a pick that could let Veach focus on the offense on the second day day of the draft.

Rakestraw is only 5'11", 183 LBs, so he's a bit undersized and struggles some in zone coverage, though his tenacious nature can overcome those weaknesses with the proper development.

The former Tiger would fit right in and has an excellent football IQ. If Veach chooses to add Rakestraw, I'd be on board.

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