2015 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4/4: Who do the analysts have the Chiefs picking at No. 18? from The Mothership
With the Chiefs holding the No. 18 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, many have already begun speculating on who they believe the Chiefs might be targeting with that pick.
Below are the analyst picks from 12 different mock drafts:
The Chiefs' picks from the guys at NFL Network: (To see their entire first-round mock draft,click here.)
1. Bucky Brooks selects Ohio State receiver Devin Smith
Smith (6'0", 196 pounds) finished his senior season for the Ohio State Buckeyes national championship team with 33 receptions for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 28.2 yards per catch.
Around the AFC West: Broncos Trade for Veteran Center with a Super Bowl Ring from The Mothership
The Raiders released defensive tackle Antonio Smith
The 11-year NFL veteran started 16 games for the Raiders last season, recording 20 combined, three sacks and one forced fumble last season.
Around the NFL's Marc Sessler discussed the move in this article. As you can read above, Smith would sign with the Broncos.
Kiper's Big Board has intriguing prospects for Chiefs from ESPN
Looking at Kiper's board and specifically the seven players he ranks from 15th through 21st, it's too bad for the Chiefs they don't need a running back. His 17th- (Georgia's Todd Gurley) and 19th- (Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon) ranked players are backs.
Otherwise, a case could be made for the Chiefs taking any of the other five players. But some of those cases are stronger than others.
Football town? Baseball town? In Kansas City, the debate rages on from FS Kansas City
Kansas City.
"The NFL is the top sport (in the country), and Kansas City Chiefs fans back their team as well as anyone," says Stan Weber, the longtime Kansas State radio and television analyst. "So you've got to start with, 'It's a football town.'"
Kansas City.
"I tell people this is a baseball town," says Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, "and they look at me like I'm crazy."
Kansas City.
"That's a good question, it really is," says Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. "Because I think a lot of people associate it as a college (sports) town."
And there you go.
Chiefs are 13th in NFL in defensive back spending from ESPN
The league average for spending on cornerbacks is about $14.6 million and a little less than $9 million on safeties, so the Chiefs are going against the grain on this one. They have about $14.5 million invested into safeties and about $11 million into their cornerbacks.
Chiefs are second in NFL in linebacker spending from ESPN
The Chiefs would be almost right at the NFL average except for the one-year offer they must extend to Houston as their franchise player. That's another reason reaching a long-term deal with Houston is important for the Chiefs. Not only would that keep Houston in Kansas City for the foreseeable future, it also would lower his salary cap number considerably, giving the Chiefs more wiggle room.
Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman hopes fellow UConn players can follow his lead from The Middletown Press
"I think it was just having success on special teams and starting to get a little recognition with that stuff that," Sherman said. "It ended up getting me into the East-West Shrine game and I did well there, had a good combine and got an opportunity, which is the biggest thing. These kids are just asking for an opportunity.
"This is the last class that I had a little influence in so I wanted to come back and give those guys a little moral support, come back and see the coaching staff and the facilities. It's good to come back to see the building and remember all the memories you had here, the 5 a.m. workouts and the spring ball practices."
2015 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Could 3 running backs go in the 1st round? from CBS Sports
18. Kansas City Chiefs — Landon Collins, SS, Alabama — Andy Reid has to beef up the secondary and grabbing the best safety in the draft class is a good way to do that, even if there hasn't been a ton of success for Nick Saban's defensive backs in the NFL in recent years.
What's Happening sports bulletin board from The Examiner
Hy-Vee Alex Smith Football ProCamp, June 3-4, at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kan. Participants will learn fundamental football skills and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback. Each camper will receive an autograph from Smith and a team photo with Smith. Camp runs 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. Camp is open to boys and girls of all skill levels in grades 1-8. Cost of the camp is $149 per participant. For more information or to register, visit AlexSmithCamp.com.