Chiefs trade up for Kahlil McKenzie, son of Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie

The Kansas City Chiefs made a second pick in the sixth round after trading up and selected DT Kahlil McKenzie out of Tennessee. This pick is special because McKenzie is the son of Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.

Tennessee called him a DT but the Chiefs say they see him as an offensive guard in KC, which is interesting. The Chiefs do have a future need at guard.

Silver and Black Pride had this to say about the younger McKenzie:

Kahlil spent his high school years in the Bay Area, watching Raiders practices with his dad before heading off to play at his father’s alma mater of Tennessee as a 5-star recruit. He came out a year early with the advice of his dad and now will be joining one of the Raiders’ rivals in Kansas City.

They select him with the intention of playing offensive guard, according to team officials.

I had Kahlil as a 6th round pick by the Raiders in my mock and he may have been their pick at 216 had he been there. Missing out on him as a player isn’t a big deal, whether he plays DT — where the Raiders selected PJ Hall in the second round and Maurice Hurst in the fifth — or guard — where the Raiders are solid.

Chiefs 2018 draft picks

Round 2 (46) LB Breeland Speaks Kent Swanson’s reaction: Speaks is a player with a good athletic profile who tested well at the NFL Combine. On the field he flashes the traits but struggles to be consistent. His pass rushes get stalled too much for my liking, and his eye discipline needs work. Is there a lot to work with? Yes. Is he ready to contribute right away? I don’t know. There is a path for the Speaks to develop into a nice interior lineman. I just don’t like the move this early, on an overpay in draft capital.

Round 3 (75) DT Derrick Nnadi | Kent Swanson’s reaction: This move is a clear indication that the Chiefs think they need to stop the run. Nnadi’s grade dropped for me because of poor athletic testing. He was a late third round grade on tape. For what he is, he’s a good player.

Round 3 (100) LB Dorian O’ Daniel | Kent Swanson’s reaction: O’Daniel will likely profile as more of a box safety role for the Chiefs unless they are making significant schematic changes. O’Daniel flashes the ability to click and close on plays behind the line of scrimmage out in the slot. He’s probably better seeing everything in front of him, allowing him to get down hill.

Round 4 (124) S Armani Watts | Kent Swanson’s reaction: Armani Watts’ had a better grade before poor athletic testing. He’s got above average instincts and ball skills. He can play in a center field role and in the slot. There’s a lot to like to the skill set he adds to the Chiefs’ defense. Watts’ biggest issue is as a tackler. He has poor technique and seemed to be hesitant at times.

Round 6 (196) CB Tremon Smith | Rotoworld’s reaction: NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein compares Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith to Philadelphia Eagle CB Ron Brooks. Smith is also listed as one of Zierlein’s “diamonds in the rough,” and he reports that several teams were trying to keep Smith a secret. That secret became hard to keep when he ran a 4.34 second 40 yard dash at his pro day. “He might need some time to acclimate to NFL route runners,” writes Zierlein, “but Smith’s quick feet and strong desire to crowd the route are necessary traits for future NFL ballhawks.”

Round 6 (198) - DT Reggie McKenzie