With the 49th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Missouri offensive lineman Mitch Morse.
He was announced as a center even though he played tackle in college. He's also been talked about as a guard. Andy Reid always talks about playing the "best five" on the offensive line so it appears this is a testament to that. Morse was a top performer at the Combine in bench press reps, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle among guards.
Reactions to the Mitch Morse pick
The Chiefs made this pick with WRs Jaelen Strong and Tyler Lockett still on the board, which surprised me. Three inside linebackers came off the board before the Chiefs pick: Benardrick McKinney, Eric Kendricks and Denzel Perryman.
This is a pick that surprises me because Morse was often mocked later than this. Clearly though the Chiefs saw center and the line as a whole as a weakness after this season so they addressed it with the trade for Ben Grubbs and the free agent signing of Paul Fanaika in addition to the selection of Morse.
The Chiefs lose Rodney Hudson in free agency. Eric Kush was the only center on the roster before the draft.
His NFL.com draft profile reads:
Morse relies on timing, instincts and angles to get guys blocked as a tackle on the college level but might lack the arm length and functional athleticism to play tackle in the pros. If he moves inside to guard, his toughness will serve him well, but he's not a power player and must prove that he can sustain his block and positioning to be an effective run blocker.
What to know about the Chiefs draft (so far)
Meet Marcus Peters, Chiefs first round pick
Chiefs 2015 NFL Draft coverage
Chiefs remaining picks
Round 1 (18) No. 18 overall (Washington CB Marcus Peters)
Round 2: (17) No. 49 overall (Missouri OL Mitch Morse)
Round 3: (16) No. 80 overall
Round 3: (34) No. 98 overall (Compensatory)
Round 4: (19) No. 118 overall
Round 5: (36) No. 172 overall (Compensatory)
Round 5: (37) No. 173 overall (Compensatory)
Round 6: (17) No. 193 overall
Round 6: (42) No. 217 overall (Compensatory)
Round 7: (16) No. 233 overall
*Note that Chiefs comp picks can not be traded.
2015 NFL Draft schedule
Friday, May 1 - 6 p.m. CT (Round 2 - 7 Minutes, Round 3 - 5 Minutes Per Pick)
Saturday, May 2 - 11 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-6 - 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)
TV: NFL Network and ESPN / ESPN2
Streaming online: NFL.com