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We all got a peak at one of our Draftmas presents on Tuesday night when it was announced that the Chiefs had traded Alex Smith for the excellent young cornerback Kendall Fuller and the 78th pick in this year’s draft.
I really wanted a second round pick. I was initially disappointed until I found out Fuller was included.
Kendall Fuller is younger than:
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) January 31, 2018
Calvin Ridley
Mike McGlinchey
Dallas Goedert
Vita Vea
Bo Scarborough
Anthony Miller
And about 30 other guys who will be drafted.
Fuller may only have two years left on his contract, but he’s a proven commodity. He’s good. He’s also younger than several players that will hear their name called in April. Spoilers, there’s a Draftmas List addition or two in that tweet above. Not today though.
Both the players in this article have a chance to be there when the Chiefs select. They obviously would have had a better chance had the Chiefs acquired an additional second. Oh well. I’m not mad.
Two more to the Draftmas List today.
Hercules Mata’afa, EDGE
6’ 2” 245 Washington State
Projected Draft Range: second round
Games watched: USC, Colorado, Stanford, Michigan State, California
Prospect grade (out of 100): 89.0
I would take him in the: first round
One sentence bio: 2017 AP Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year and all-conference at two, yes TWO positions (DT and EDGE).
One sentence scouting report: Transitioning to a more natural EDGE rusher position in the NFL, Mata’afa comes to his next opportunity with an explosive, powerful first step and knack for disruption.
One play:
Hercules Mata'afa isn't on enough people's top 50 lists. I currently have him top 20. If he fell to the Chiefs in round 2, I'd be ecstatic. #ChiefsDraftmas pic.twitter.com/OEH9dHW0TK
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) January 30, 2018
Why he fits in KC: I have absolutely zero idea why Mata’afa is not getting buzz as one of the 15 best players in this draft. I’m putting him on here now, with the expectation that come April, this looks unrealistic. The hype will be coming.
Mata’afa played as an interior defensive lineman out of necessity. He will play as an outside linebacker/defensive end at the next level. His experience having to play on the interior will serve him well in his transition outside.
His first step is special. What’s more, there is plenty of power behind it as the clip above shows. Playing as an interior lineman, Mata’afa has learned to play with good leverage and hands to survive playing head up against bigger players. Combining that with the speed and power he displays makes him a potentially dominant force in the NFL someday.
While he’ll require some development as a pass rusher, his rare athleticism and use of leverage will allow him to produce while he grows into the position.
Mata’afa would solve several issues the Chiefs have on defense, and I don’t say that lightly. Not only would he be stout setting the edge in the run game, but his explosiveness should make him disruptive in the run and pass game.
Also, I get to use this gif more if he’s drafted:
One of the players I'm writing about this week for #ChiefsDraftmas pic.twitter.com/If3PZZ3o56
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) January 30, 2018
Isaiah Wynn, Guard
6’ 2” 308 Georgia
Projected Draft Range: second round
Games watched: Alabama, Oklahoma, Kentucky 2016
Prospect grade (out of 100): 86.0
I would take him in the: early second round
One sentence bio: Offensive tackle for the National Runner Up who played through part of the season and the Senior Bowl (at his NFL position of guard) with a torn labrum.
One sentence scouting report: A smart, quick, athletic interior lineman who would be perfect in the Chiefs’ zone run blocking scheme.
One play:
Isaiah Wynn (#77) played left tackle in college and he played it well. He'll kick in to guard in the NFL. I would love to see him in KC. Excellent movement skills. #ChiefsDraftmas pic.twitter.com/Y8DlcdbVcq
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) February 1, 2018
Why he fits in KC: Why take an offensive player with one of the Chiefs early picks? There are some players and positions that would just make too much sense in Kansas City whose talent outweigh other positional need. Wynn is one of those players at guard.
It’s also not like the Chiefs don’t need a replacement at left guard. It may not be at the very top of the Draftmas List position wise, but it’s definitely still a need.
Wynn played left tackle and left guard at Georgia. He excelled at both. He displays special agility and athleticism for a man his sizes. He moves so easily and makes contact with smaller, quicker players at the second level with a high level or frequency. Wynn has showed the ability to handle fast edge rushers and powerful defensive lineman on the interior. He does this with his physical traits, but also sound technique.
The Chiefs had success with outside zone running plays this season. Wynn would only continue to make the run game a strength. The torn labrum suffered this season might actually help Wynn fall farther into the area the Chiefs are able to select him.
I believe Wynn to be one of the most NFL ready prospects in this class. He should be a plug and play starter, and I would be thrilled for him to be playing in Kansas City next season.
The Draftmas List
EDGE Dorance Armstrong, Kansas
EDGE Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State
Guard Isaiah Wynn, Georgia