Kansas City Chiefs

2017 NFL Draft: 8 players Chiefs could target in first round

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Who should the Kansas City Chiefs be targeting in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft? Here are some names to consider.

In this column, I’m exploring some players that Chiefs fans could and should keep an eye on for the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. I have spent time trying as best I can to evaluate the prospects based on a combination of need, positional value, scheme fit, and draft position. Obviously we’d love to see Jabrill Peppers or Myles Garrett in Chiefs’ red next season, but that is highly unlikely to happen.

We also have to give credit here to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, whose work I read tirelessly to learn about undervalued prospects. In some cases, they either validated what I already believed or made me re-think my stance. Definitely check out their work.

So who might be a fit in the 20s (or 30s)? Let’s run them down…

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina (6-foot-3, 220 pounds, RS Junior)

The Chiefs will likely have to make a decision this offseason about the future of the quarterback position. Either they will move on from Alex Smith or commit to him for the foreseeable future with a new contract.

This is the first season for Trubisky as a starter after spending the past two seasons as a backup to since-graduated Marquis Williams. Taking the reins, all Trubisky has done is season is lead the Tar Heels to a 5-2 record while posting a 70 percent completion rate, 15 touchdowns (two interceptions) and 2,068 passing yards.

Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

In terms of strengths, Trubisky is an athletic, relaxed quarterback in the pocket. He possesses an accurate and fairly strong arm, and the offense being run at North Carolina appears to be very similar to the offense run here in KC. He has experience both under center and in the shotgun, running both traditional and read-option offenses. He’s also, in a short period of time, faced various defenses and opponents.

This season, North Carolina has faced opponents such as Georgia, Florida State, Miami (FL), Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Illinois. His worst game (both interceptions) came in the game against Virginia Tech during the hurricane weekend.

Concerns about Trubisky center mainly around his lack of starting experience. Entering his first season as a full starter, Trubisky has looked good and solid in every game save for Virginia Tech. While limited playing experience wasn’t a huge issue with Cardale Jones last year, he obviously was not discussed as a first-round selection like Trubisky currently is.

Each game for the remainder of the season looms large in terms of showing development and feel. However, unless the word gets out on how to stop him and you see his game fall off the cliff, there’s a lot to like about his potential.

Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Darren Carrington (7) catches a 36-yard touchdown pass against Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Jones, CB, Washington (6-foot-0, 175 pounds, Junior)

If we look closely, we can still see Steelers receivers running freely in the Chiefs secondary. We had hoped that third-year corner Phillip Gaines would be able to recover from his knee surgeryto fill the starting spot vacated by Sean Smith. To this point, he has not. Combine with the bizarre release of KeiVarae Russell and the lack of readiness of D.J. White, and the Chiefs may be in the market for a corner in the first round. My favorite is Washington’s Sidney Jones.

Jones plays the ball very well, getting his head around. Every draft pundit – be it a savvy, experienced professional or an armchair blogger – has their traits they look for. With cornerbacks, they have to be able to find the ball, run in coverage and limit opportunities.

Jones displays an ability, much like current Chiefs and former Huskies cornerback Marcus Peters, to intercept the ball. At times, it appears Jones is the receiver, running the pass route.

The other question about Jones is height. As is known, the Chiefs love tall corners. They view 6-foot-0 as a magical line of demarcation. Also, due to his lack of bulk, how well would Jones be able to help with the run. While he appears to be a willing run defender, it’s certainly not his strength. Tackling, strength and run support will be something he’ll have to improve to truly reach his potential.

If the Chiefs view Jones as a potential starter, he is a player that would be a nice compliment to Peters. His ability to defend the pass would be a welcome change to what we’re seeing now.

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Keon Hatcher (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) defends during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama (6-foot-1, 200 pounds, RS Sophomore)

If anyone has failed to notice, Alabama is really good, again. The Crimson Tide is loaded with NFL talent all over the field, especially on defense. Aiding in that is corner Marlon Humphrey.

Humphrey is a physical and athletic beast. Tall and fast (Marlon was a high school track star in addition to his talents on the football field), he plays physical, man-defense where his size and strength aid him in shutting down the opposition.

As we know, the Chiefs love tall and athletic cornerbacks, and Humphrey fits the bill. His aggressiveness as well could lead to the tandem of Humphrey and Peters being interception machines.

The issue for Humphrey, and why I have him behind Jones, is that he can have issues locating the ball in the air. Perhaps because Alabama’s front seven is so dominant (they are again loaded with NFL talent), and because they consistently get such a good pass rush, Humphrey doesn’t have to cover for as long. It was an issue for Dre Kirkpatrick and was a career killer for Dee Milliner.

Humphrey’s draft slot could vary greatly depending on the team. He must show the ability to truly react in coverage, find and locate the football without creating penalties or giving up big plays. The ceiling is there for Humphrey, but it may take him a couple years for everything to come together for him.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri (6-foot-3, 255 pounds, RS Junior)

Currently a defensive end for the Missouri Tigers, Harris is a gifted athlete and displays a unique ability to get up the field and create havoc. When you watch Harris play, and especially in comparison to Dee Ford, Harris stands out with his ability to play the run. He also displays a variety of pass moves to get to the quarterback, including good burst.

Harris is going through a bit of a perplexing junior season after a breakout season in 2015. Following up his sophomore season that saw him record 18 tackles for loss, seven tackles for loss and 56 total tackles, Harris has had trouble really breaking through this season. Much has been made, at least locally, about the change in scheme. As opposed to simply getting after the ball as he had in previous seasons, defenders are asked to do more reading and reacting, limiting the opportunities Harris has to get up the field and make plays behind the line.

Also, not helping his cause is the natural disaster that the Missouri offense has become. Too often the Tigers trail quickly, allowing opponents to run the ball.

Harris could be a young Tamba Hali. A defensive end by trade, he would have to learn the new position of outside linebacker in the Chiefs’ scheme. However, he shows the lower body strength and quickness to not only hold his own in the run game, but be an effective pass rusher, and would be a solid addition to the Chiefs if they make him their first-round selection.

Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Bryce Lewis (30) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Cunningham, MLB, Vanderbilt (6-foot-4, 230 pounds, RS Junior)

The Chiefs continue to run through options to line up next to Derrick Johnson. With Johnson starting to age (his performance certainly is not showing age) and a rotating door next to him, Cunningham is a guy that could make sense.

Cunningham stands out on film with his closing speed and tackling. Numbers to numbers, he attacks the ball-carrier and displays a consistent form. Instincts combined with his speed allows him the opportunity to make plays and stop the ball-carrier. Much like Johnson, Cunningham has the ability to be around the ball, regardless of where it may be.

Cunningham has also experience playing special teams, which would come in handy on a team that has won numerous football games the past three seasons using special teams to either set up short-field scoring opportunities or score points themselves.

The big concern with Cunningham simply is his size. In the offseason, he bulked up to 230 pounds, but can he add any more? Is a player of that weight somewhat restricted to play in a 4-3 type defense? Also, with his stock soaring, he may simply be out of reach for the Chiefs come draft day.

Cunningham would make a great impact for the Chiefs if he’s the pick. His instincts and attacking nature from the middle linebacker spot could work well next to and then possibly replacing Johnson in the future.

Apr 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Gray Team cornerback Gareon Conley (8) during the Ohio State Spring Game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State (6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Junior)

Ohio State has possibly the greatest defensive backfield I’ve ever seen. Safety Malik Hooker may be the first safety off the board, fellow cornerback Marshon Lattimore may end up in the bottom of the first round, and Gareon Conley could be an interesting addition to the Chiefs.

Big, physical, and fast, Conley appears to have the potential to be the whole package and what you look for in a corner. It’s hard to find specifics he does better one way or another, as he appears to have an complete understanding of the game on the corner.

Looking for a corner that can tackle and take on the run, Conley can do it. Turn and run with the receiver? He can do that as well. The best way I can describe Conley is that he appears to be a combination of both previously mentioned Sidney Jones and Marlon Humphrey.

If he’s that good, why talk about him? Well, as I mentioned, Ohio State’s secondary is insanely talented. Depending on teams wants and needs, Conley could join safety Hooker in the top 12 picks.

The only reason I can see why Conley could be available would be that teams choose needs, such as quarterbacks early. The 2017 NFL Draft appears deep at cornerback and Ohio State is so good, a team may discount his skill as simply being surrounded by talent.

He certainly would be a nice compliment to Peters on this defense. I will say, since taking over as general manager, John Dorsey has yet to use a draft pick on a player from the Big Ten. That, as bizarre and irrelevant as it truly is, certainly works against the Chiefs drafting a Buckeye corner.

Oct 15, 2016; Akron, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium. Western Michigan Broncos won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan (6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Senior)

Wide receiver may seem a bit off the radar considering the resources the Chiefs have poured into the position recently. Jeremy Maclin continues to become more expensive and the organization may face cap issues. Chris Conley has yet to truly turn his athletic potential into actual production, and the rest of the group is a middling band. While Tyreek Hill appears to have potential, remains to be seen if he can consistently be a receiving threat.

For college football fans who may not have noticed, Western Michigan is a good football team, ranked 20th at the time of this writing. Corey Davis is a big reason why.

Davis is a big, fast receiver that consistently faces the best cornerback the other team has to offer. He shows the ability to work both underneath coverage and zone defenses, but also the ability to get up the field and stretch the perimeter of the defense.

Lastly, and this is something that would greatly benefit his potential production with the Chiefs, would be what he can do after the catch. Davis shows a knack, looking almost like a running back getting up the field with the ball.

An issue with Davis is that at times he doesn’t appear to play to his size. Consistently bigger and faster then his competition, Davis at times gets outplayed and out-jumped. Also, how much of his production stems from success within the offense and how much is simply coaches drawing up plays simply to get him the ball?

Regardless of concerns, Davis could develop into an ideal receiver for the Chiefs. Combining good size and speed, he has the potential to be a real threat. He certainly appears to be a far more natural receiver then Conley at this stage in their development.

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) shows support for defensive lineman Tracy Sprinkle (93) as he is helped from the field after being injured against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Raekwon McMillan, MLB, Ohio State (6-foot-2, 243 pounds, Junior)

Everything that was stated when we discussed Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham still holds true here. As opposed to the athletic and speedy Cunningham, McMillan is your classic big middle linebacker. Number to number, McMillan is a force on the inside.

Perhaps McMillan’s greatest strength is his tackling and ability to hit and drive. Rarely is a ball-carrier dragged to the ground, no, they are knocked to the ground. Shows an ability to diagnose and attack plays, moving quickly but under control to make plays. Combined with his size and instincts, McMillan is a pure force, especially in the run game.

Concerns about McMillan, at least as I view it, is his ability to play in space and in the Chiefs specific scheme. In essence, McMillan is an old-school box middle linebacker, owning that ground with power and force. However, is he an every down linebacker?

Not nearly the pure athlete as the aforementioned Cunningham nor does he have the ability to cover and work down the field in coverage. Strikes me more of a zone, Tampa 2 style middle linebacker, as he does appear at times to be able to move backwards in zone type overages.

As can be seen, I do believe the Chiefs focus will be on defense. As the organization emphasizes winning on defense, they must ensure they are always adding elite talent to that side of the ball. However, finding a quarterback that the organization can groom for a year would not only be a welcome change, but provide a stepping stone for the future at the position.