Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft: Updated Day 2 Predictions
The first round of the 2015 NFL draft has drawn to a close, which naturally means it's time for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL world to look ahead to Day 2 and beyond.
The first round saw the Chiefs use their No. 18 selection on former Washington cornerback Marcus Peters. Though the choice obviously doesn't address needs along the offensive line or at wide receiver, Peters does have the on-field potential to become an elite pro cornerback.
Peters does address the depth the Chiefs were looking for in the secondary. The team will likely now search for a replacement for departed center Rodney Hudson, a complement to recently acquired wideout Jeremy Maclin and help along the offensive line in general (the team ranked just 19th in run-blocking last season, per Pro Football Focus).
Six wide receivers and seven offensive linemen were drafted in the first round, which obviously impacts how the pool of players from which the Chiefs can select.
Let's take a look at what the remaining rounds of the 2015 draft might look like for Kansas City.
Round 2 (49th Overall)
1 of 6Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Even with six receivers selected in the first round, there is still a bevvy of talent at the position remaining. Former Ohio State wideout Devin Smith is one of the most talented prospects remaining that could help the Kansas City offense.
Smith has adequate size at 6'1" and 199 pounds, and has the speed (ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine) and shiftiness needed to attack deep down the field. This would give the Chiefs deep-strike capability and would prevent opposing defenses from selling out to stop Jamaal Charles and the ground game.
Bleacher Report Lead NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller wrote the following of Smith:
"Smith adjusts to the ball in the air and has the vision and body control to put himself in position to haul in overthrows and underthrows down the field. He uses his length well to create a big catch radius and has strong, sure hands either over the shoulder or when making a play in traffic. He’s explosive out of the gate and has the speed to run past defenders, which is evident both on film and in workouts.
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Though Smith isn't a complete product in the mold of some of the first-rounders, he has the potential to become an immediate starter.
Round 3 (80th and 98th Overall).
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No. 80: Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky
Kansas City ranked just 28th in run defense (127.2 yards per game allowed), which is why strengthening the defensive line should be a priority.
Kentucky defensive end Za'Darius Smith is a smart pick for the Chiefs because he has the size (6'4", 274 lbs) to help shut down opposing ball-carriers. He also brings a bit of pass-rush ability, so there is added value.
Though Smith is not an exceptional athlete, he can contribute right away as a rotational player and primary backup. There is also the potential there to eventually be a starter.
No. 98: John Miller, OG, Louisville
Former Louisville guard John Miller is a guy who can step in and compete for a starting job right away. The 6'2", 303-pounder is not the most athletically gifted prospect, but he is a powerful blocker who should fit in Kansas City's offense.
Miller has tremendous upper-body strength and is technically sound. He knows how to use his hands for maximum effectiveness.
Round 4 (118th Overall)
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Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
Kansas City can continue strengthening its offensive line by adding a tackle prospect like Colorado State product Ty Sambrailo.
Sambrailo might not be able to start out of the gate because of a general lack of strength. This makes him a less-than-ideal run-blocker, though time in an NFL weight room may fix the issue.
Sambrailo's upside is his athleticism. For a 6'6", 311-pound behemoth, he moves exceptionally well in space. He can mirror most pass-rushers and because of this, he may develop into a quality left tackle. Pass-protection isn't an issue for Sambrailo.
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Round 5 (172nd and 173rd Overall)
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No. 172: Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama
The Chiefs have a starting tight end in Travis Kelce, but South Alabama product Wes Saxton can provide value for the Chiefs if he is available in Round 5.
At 6'3" and 248 pounds, Saxton has the look and build of an oversized receiver. He ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, which suggests he can be a threat as a pass-catching tight end. However, he produced just 20 receptions for 155 yards this past season.
"You have to go back and watch his 2013 tape. They made changes in 2014 to the offense, and he wasn't the same player. Go watch 2013. That is who he can be in the pros," one NFC scout said of Saxton, per NFL.com. That season, he produced 50 catches and 635 yards.
As a No. 2 tight end and possible special teams contributor, Sexton is an attractive option.
No. 173: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn
Grabbing former Auburn running back Cameron Artis-Payne to be a backup also makes sense in the later rounds. The Chiefs ran the ball 100 times more than they passed in 2014, so the desire to run first is clearly there.
At 6'2" and 212 pounds, Artis-Payne has the build and skill set to be a solid backup, which might save a little wear on offensive superstar Jamaal Charles.
Round 6 (193rd and 217th Overall)
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No. 193: Quinton Spain, OG, West Virginia
The bottom rounds of the draft are a spot for the Chiefs to target developmental players and to double down on positions of need.
West Virginia lineman Quinton Spain has the potential to aid the rebuilding effort along the offensive line.
At 6'4" and 233 pounds, he has the size to compete at the pro level, and he has above-average quickness (he ran a 5.02 40-yard dash at his pro day, per NFL.com) for an interior lineman. However, he is relatively raw and may never be more than a good backup.
No. 217: Cody Riggs, CB, Notre Dame
Former Florida and Notre Dame cornerback Cody Riggs is a more polished but limited prospect. At just 5'9" and 185 pounds, he is a bit undersized. Teams in today's NFL are looking for taller corners with better range.
Still, Riggs is a guy with solid technique who can contribute on special teams.
Riggs also has some experience as a return man (returned 13 punts for 95 yards in 2014).
Round 7 (233rd Overall)
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Former Washington linebacker John Timu is the type of physical defender that fits on Kansas City's defense. However, his modest size (6'1", 246 lbs) may not translate to the next level.
Timu has shown an ability to produce as a coverage linebacker (10 passes defended and two interceptions in 2014), which may give him some value on passing downs.
His combination of aggressiveness and vision should allow Timu to compete for a spot on Kansas City's special teams unit, which is where many seventh-rounders make their way into the NFL.
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