Mario Edwards Jr. Perfect Fit for Kansas City Chiefs

By Dan Schmelzer | Apr 6, 2015

While one could argue that offensive line and wide receiver are bigger positions of need for the Kansas City Chiefs, the team simply must improve their run defense this off season. With free agency pretty much in the books, the Chiefs will now have to look to the 2015 NFL Draft to improve their defense against the ground game.

Last season, the Chiefs allowed 127.3 rushing yards per game, which was the fifth highest total in the entire NFL. With outside linebacker Justin Houston and company consistently putting pressure on the quarterback, the Chiefs were great against opposing passing games (203.3 passing yards per game, second fewest allowed in the NFL), but the run defense was a clear weakness for the team.

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The Chiefs could certainly look to add at the inside linebacker position in the draft, which should help their run defense. Mid-to-late inside linebacker prospects like Benardrick McKinney, Paul Dawson, Denzel Perryman, Ben Heeney and Taiwan Jones make plenty of sense for Kansas City, and they will surely address the position at some point in the draft.

However, if the Chiefs really expect to change their fortunes against rushing attacks, it all starts up front. Nose tackle Dontari Poe is a stud, but the Chiefs really lack play-making ability at the defensive end position in their 3-4 defense. Mario Edwards Jr. is a very interesting mid-round prospect who could fill the Chiefs’ needs on the defensive front.

Nov 22, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (15) tackles Boston College Eagles running back Myles Willis (23) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Edwards was the top ranked high school prospect when he entered college at Florida State. While he never became the feared pass rusher that he was expected to become early in his college career, Edwards had a very strong career at Florida State.

He ended up growing bigger than was expected at that time he entered college, and it ended up changing his game. At 6-foot-3, 279 pounds, Edwards is a very strong player who has shown a lot of success against the run. He does a very good job of setting the edge, and he has great vision that allows him to track down ball carriers quickly.

While Edwards does not have a ton of pure speed, he does have great quickness and acceleration, and incredible athleticism for a man of his size. Edwards also shows very good balance. While he did not become a feared outside pass rusher like was once expected, Edwards has sneaky athleticism up front.

Drafting Edwards would immediately help the Chiefs against the run. He is a pure three-down player who can line-up as either five or three technique very effectively. Edwards has enough strength to battle any offensive lineman, while his quickness and athleticism could allow him to be a dangerous pass rusher from the inside.

The Chiefs had one of the best pass defenses in the NFL last season. Almost every member from their pass rush and secondary will be back in 2015. They will likely continue to be very good against opposing passers, and if they can at least become decent against the run, the Chiefs will have a dominant defense.

As I said before, it all starts up front. Adding depth and talent up front will go a long ways toward improving the Chiefs’ defense against the run. Edwards would be a great value for the Chiefs in the second or third round of the draft. He could be the missing piece that turns their defense from good to elite.

Next: 5 Late-Round Sleeper Chiefs Should Target

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