We're getting closer to Draft Day, and the hype is growing by the day! Who will the Chiefs pick? Literally no one outside of Arrowhead knows, but that doesn't mean we can't try to guess! This week, I bring you the Arrowhead Pride Weekly Mock Draft Post, ChiefsEnthusiast's Draft Crushes Edition!
Also, sorry that this is a bit later than usual. My 21st Birthday really kicked me in the ass on Saturday, and I'm just now recovering.
Round 1, Pick 18: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
I've made no secret of my love of Kevin Johnson. His cover skills are fantastic, and while his size may not be the ideal, he's got enough moxie and technical skill to hold his own. COuld line up as our #2 CB this year, then switch to #1 if Sean Smith walks after the season. If not, he could stay outside with 2014 3rd round pick Phillip Gaines playing nickel.
Projected Role: Starting Outside CB
Round 2, Pick 49: Tyler Lockett, WR, KSU
Lockett is a poular pick around here, and all of the reasons why are spelled out here in MNChiefsfan's delightful film review. He created separation consistently, humiliated top CB prospects, and was a machine for Kansas State. Taking him in the second would give us a third legitimate receiving option next to Maclin and Wilson in the event Da"rick Rogers doesn't pan out.
Projected Role: Starting Slot Receiver
Round 3, Pick 80: Denzel Perryman, ILB, The U
He's an amazing old-school linebacker that isn't great in pass defending, a trait which causes him to drop to the third. Perryman hits hard and defends the run extremely well, which bodes well for his starting over Josh Mauga come the 2015 season. A middling pro day has dropped his stock significantly, but tape doesn't lie: the man can play. With an amazing mentor in DJ and a fantastic LBs coach, Perryman will develop into something special.
Projected Role: Starting SILB
Round 3, Pick 98: BJ Finney, C, Kansas State
Another Wildcat in the Top 100, Finney was a rock at Center for the K-State squad. His body control is excellent, he uses his hands well, and he performs well in pass protection, allowing just 2.5 sacks over 4 years. Would be immediate competition for Kush and could win the starting job. If he doesn't, would be an extremely high-quality backup.
Projected Role: Center competitor
Round 4, Pick 118: Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas
Another Sunflower State prospect, Heeney has a motor that never quits. High character and drive will make him an excellent grooming project, and his being a "film-room junkie" will endear him to the Chiefs coaching staff. Will provide immediate depth to a very weak postion group, and could take over the SILB position when DJ retires and Perryman shifts over to WILB.
Projected Role: ILB Depth
Round 5, Pick 172: Andrew Donnal, OT, Iowa
Where Brandon Scherff was the elite prospect out of Iowa, Donnal is the hard-working RT out of the OT machine that is the Hawkeyes. What Donnal lacks in pure talent he makes up for in technical mastery, working hard every snap to best utilize his hands placement. Can anchor well, and has the ability to meet inside pass-rush moves.
Projected Role: RT Competition
Round 5, Pick 173: Gerod Holliman, FS, Lousiville
Holliman has a nose for the ball, and defends against the pass like no other; 17 passes broken up and 14 INTs in his career at Louisville. His tackling skills leave something a lot to be desired, but that can be coached. As someone here on AP once said, "if he covers like Deion, he has my permission to tackle like Deion." Could take over for Abdullah in 2016 should we decide to not bring him back.
Projected Role: DB Depth
Round 6, Pick 193: Joey Mbu, DT, Houston
Mbu is a big, strong guy with a lot of upside, comparing favorably to former Chief Jerrell Powe. Has the size and strength to improve his middling pass-rushing skills, and uses his hands and head well while engaging with blockers.
Projected Role: The Po' Man's Poe
Round 6, Pick 217: Casey Pierce, TE, Kent State
A tenacious blocker with good, not great, size and ability in pass protection as well as a pass-catcher. Reliable hands that can win contested throws means he can be a third-down option for Alex Smith in short-yardage situations. Speed is average, nothing more, and could use work on blocking technique.
Projected Role: Blocking 3TE
Round 7, Pick 233: Evan Spencer, WR, Ohio State
Spencer has good size, at 6'2" and 208 lbs., and was raised around the game. Wasn't asked to do very much receiving at Ohio State, being mostly used as a blocker, a role in which he excelled. Very raw as a receiving prospect, but with coaching could become a special talent. Very talented ST player, and is apparently an upstanding young man with an incredible work ethic. Would easily replace Frankie Hammond Jr.
Projected Role: WR Depth/STer
Priority Free Agents:
Doniel Gambrell, OT, Notre Dame (OH)
Deiontrez Mount, OLB, Louisville
John Crockett, RB, North Dakota State
Andrew East, LS, Vanderbilt
Thoughts? What do you like/don't like? How dumb am I for drinking half a bottle of Fireball Whiskey before bowling? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and as always, Go Chiefs!