A very merry Draftmas to you! We continue our tradition of profiling an NFL Draft prospect every day in April, leading up to the NFL Draft on April 23rd. Every day, you’ll get a prospect profile that includes how they would fit with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs have been sniffing around the offensive linemen in this year’s draft, and for good reason. They’ll soon have to pay Patrick Mahomes and protecting the franchise quarterback will be priority number one. This draft has several players that could contribute immediately and offer versatility at tackle or guard, and Sunday’s prospect is one that could be a mid-round steal.
Hakeem Adeniji, offensive lineman
6’4” | 302 lbs | Kansas
Garland, TX
Expected Draft Range: Day two
Combine: 5.17 40-yard dash, 34” vertical jump, 115” broad jump, 26 bench press
One-sentence bio: Four-year starter at offensive tackle that ended up at Kansas after a cashew allergy prevented him from joining the Air Force
One-sentence scouting report: Fluid-moving offensive linemen with powerful hands and the flexibility to kick inside to guard
One play:
Kansas OL Hakeem Adeniji one on one drill pic.twitter.com/oNYtNCj0RM
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) January 23, 2020
How he fits in Kansas City: The Chiefs like athletic offensive linemen with good movement ability, and Adeniji fits the bill. He got the opportunity to play offensive guard almost exclusively at the Senior Bowl — probably his best fit at the next level — and was one of the week’s biggest winners.
Adeniji plays with powerful hands to drive the defender off the spot, but simultaneously has the footwork and athleticism to pull around the horn and get out in front of screens. He looks comfortable tracking linebackers and safeties in the open field and can execute the key block to spring a big play. His patient footwork helps him to not overextend when lining up on the interior, and he’s shown the ability to mirror quicker rushers.
Overall, Adeniji is a prospect that checks all the boxes for an Andy Heck-coached offensive line. His flexibility on the offensive line, strong movement skills and good technique could make for an early contributor in the Chiefs scheme.
Kansas City has hosted Adeniji for a private workout and may target him near the end of day two to improve the offensive line.
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