Kansas City Chiefs: Take Cameron Erving in Mock Draft

While the 2014 season was a bit of a disappointment for the Kansas City Chiefs, they have had a good free agency period and head in to the 2015 NFL Draft with a talented roster and few obvious holes.

After the Chiefs did not complete a single touchdown pass to a wide receiver this past season, many would say that their biggest need is at that position. I would have to disagree with those people.

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The addition of Jeremy Maclin helps the Chiefs’ receiving core tremendously. He gives them a proven number-one option at the position, and while they still have some work to do, wide receiver looks much better right now than it did at the start of the offseason.

The Chiefs will surely continue to address the need at wide receiver in the draft, but the most obvious need on the roster now resides at center.

The biggest loss the Chiefs saw in free agency was Rodney Hudson. He has been a stable force as the starting center of the Chiefs for the last two seasons, but Hudson has moved on after receiving a massive contract from the Oakland Raiders.

Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) before the start of the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Hudson leaves a massive gap in the middle of the Chiefs’ offensive line, one that must be filled in the draft. As of right now 2013 sixth-round pick Eric Kush would probably be the starting center. Kush has only played one game in his career, and has shown little promise to this point. At worst, the Chiefs need to draft somebody to compete with Kush.

In his most recent mock draft, ESPN’s NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay has the Chiefs addressing the center position immediately. With the 18th overall pick, McShay has the Chiefs selecting Florida State offensive lineman Cameron Erving, who ended his college career as the starting center for the Seminoles.

Here is what McShay had to say about the Chiefs’ selection of Erving:

"Even after trading for guard Ben Grubbs, the Chiefs still need help on their offensive line. Erving has very good length and athleticism for the center position and could step right in to replace Rodney Hudson, who signed with the Raiders in free agency, but he also has the versatility to help out at multiple spots along the line if he’s needed to in 2015 or going forward, having also played left tackle in college. The addition of Jeremy Maclin in free agency makes wide receiver a less pressing need."

Erving started his college career as a defensive lineman. He made the switch to offensive line in 2012, where he started all 14 games as the team’s left tackle. Erving was magnificent at left tackle for Florida State in 2013, and he earned First Team All-ACC and All-American honors for his play.

Erving made the move to the center position late in his senior season of 2014. He immediately showed incredible talent inside, while being able to make all of the necessary offensive line calls. Erving appeared to be a natural at the center position.

At 6’5″, 313 pounds, Erving has all of the size that you like to see in a first round offensive line prospect. On top of that, he has incredible athletic ability for a man of his size, great length and good footwork.

Erving’s athletic ability allowed him to be a great protector against speed rushers on the outside when he played left tackle, and he showed the strength necessary to battle with big defensive tackles on the inside.

While pass protection is his specialty, Erving is a tough, hard-nosed blocker who excels in the running game as well. Erving shows more than enough athleticism to naturally reach defenders on the second level. He is a very well rounded prospect who can immediately make an impact in the NFL.

Erving seems like a perfect fit for the Chiefs. The biggest question is whether it is worth taking a center with the 18th overall pick.

There are plenty of mid-to-late round prospects who were natural centers throughout their entire college careers in this draft. The Chiefs could wait to address the position later, and while it would be very tough to find someone with the upside of Erving, they could find a natural center who could be productive immediately.

That being said, the selection of Erving seems like a slam dunk for the Chiefs. His relative inexperience on the offensive line could be looked at as a negative, but I see it as an opportunity for him to grow into an even better player.

While the Chiefs could address the center position later, Erving has the upside to kick outside and be a viable left tackle option down the road. That is what makes him worthy of a first round selection.

The Chiefs could draft Erving, and he could step in and be a huge addition at center right away. Down the line, if they have a need at any other offensive line position, Erving has the versatility to make that move flawlessly.

Erving appears to be a near perfect fit for the Chiefs, and will be a very enticing option should he be available when they are on the clock at No. 18.

Next: 5 NFL Draft Sleepers Chiefs Should Target

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