Let's predict who the Kansas City Chiefs will be taking with the 28th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Our official Arrowhead Pride predictions...
Joel Thorman: Lousiana Tech DT Vernon Butler
A few reasons why this is the pick: D-line fits the Dorsey model. D-line is a need. He was a Senior Bowl standout. Andy Reid likes to draft big guys early. He visited the Chiefs. He passes the SPARQ threshold. He has long arms. He's the pick.
Seth Keysor: Alabama C/G Ryan Kelly
If I have it my way, the Chiefs are drafting Ryan Kelly in the first round.
I know that may not be a popular opinion, and I understand why people would want to go with a cornerback or wide receiver. The problem I have is simple; no corner or wideout who is likely to fall to 28 really GRABBED me. I understand drafting based on need to an extent, and I'm as worried about the corner situation as the next guy. But reaching due to need is never, ever, ever a good idea.
Kelly, on the other hand? His film is ridiculous. He's strong, athletic, seems to understand how to catch blitzes and stunts, plays aggressive... he checks off every box in both pass protection and as a run blocker. He's big enough to move to guard in Reid's scheme, so we can keep our already-a-stud-so-there's-no-reason-to-move-him center Mitch Morse at center.
It's always tough to translate college film into the pros, but I think Kelly would immediately jump in and be an upgrade over the Chiefs current options at LG. The Chiefs could go from "that OL ought to be OK" (where we're at now) to "hey, that's a really good OL."
I wish some flashier position had grabbed me, but it didn't. So I'd go with Kelly
Matt Stagner: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
My prediction for a while has been Vernon Butler, but since the Blogfather already took him, I'll go a different direction. I hope the Chiefs address (in order of need) CB, LG, DL, S and WR wherever the right guy is available.
Must Reads
My favorite CB in the draft is William Jackson III but I think he'll be gone before KC's pick. I briefly watched a few other CBs just to get a feel for who else might fit the Chiefs. I wasn't impressed by Eli Apple, who might be available at 28. I was skeptical of Mackensie Alexander because he's shorter than Dorsey likes (5'10) and doesn't get interceptions or pass break ups. When I say he didn't get interceptions ... he didn't get ONE in college.
It didn't take long for his tape to change my mind. Alexander is a strong, feisty press man corner that plays with the swagger you want to see from a guy on an island. He's got great technique, quick feet and hips, and QBs just didn't challenge him very often. I also love his instinct for diagnosing plays, and how physical he is in run support.
Last year, the Chiefs had one CB who didn't get targeted very much because he was very sound in press coverage. On the other side, they had Marcus Peters who was an absolute ballhawk and playmaker. After losing Smith, they need more guys that can cover, and Alexander did go 24 games without allowing a TD. By adding Alexander, they have a group of young CBs that should be able to play together for a long time.
Matt Conner: Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M
Personally my bet is on KC to actually move out of the first round altogether, so if I could make that my official vote (trade down) then I think that's what will happen. But if John Dorsey must stick, Ifedi would be a great addition to the line as a potential day one starter at guard who has the experience and versatility to play at several positions. High ceiling who needs coached up is the official word, and that's the way Dorsey likes his offensive linemen to date. The Chiefs are deep across the line but the guard options are lacking the ceiling that Ifedi brings. This is the sort of boring pick that could turn a weakness into a strength.
Now that these guys are on record, please put your official prediction in the comments section. You're all part of the AP team too!