Grading the Chiefs’ pick of Michigan DE Michael Danna

The Kansas City Chiefs have made their fifth selection of the 2020 NFL Draft!

With the 177th overall pick, the Chiefs took Michigan’s Michael Danna. We have insta-grades from the three members of the Arrowhead Pride Nerd Squad.

Craig Stout: Danna has short arms — and is shorter than any Steve Spagnuolo EDGE defender, adding questions about his fit and usage in the Chiefs defense. He could offer some upside as a dime rusher, but his lack of length could limit his effectiveness as an edge setter on early downs. Maybe Spagnuolo is considering moving him to off-ball linebacker to develop him as a SAM linebacker. There’s definite potential, but the fit remains to be seen. Grade: C-

Kent Swanson: I have no clue what the plan is for Danna. Perhaps he’ll be playing as a SAM linebacker. This is my least favorite pick of the day, but you can’t get upset about a fifth-round pick. Grade: C-

Matt Lane: This is a bit of a head-scratching pick toward the end of an incredibly talented Chiefs draft class. Despite dominating at Central Michigan in 2018, Danna struggled against stronger competition to make the Michigan’s starting rotation. He’s powerful and explosive — with a relatively compact frame — but is super flexible and agile as a rusher. He doesn’t hit any of Spagnuolo’a hard thresholds for defensive ends who see significant snaps, so it’s a confusing pick. The coaching staff clearly likes his athleticism — they must see something with which they can work — but it doesn’t align with an otherwise stellar draft. Grade: D