2017 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Mid-April 7-Round Mock Draft
By Andrew Jones
With only two weeks left until the 2017 NFL Draft, we take another look at who the Kansas City Chiefs may draft with their 10 selections.
As the 2017 NFL Draft draws closer, there is a strong sense that the Kansas City Chiefs are taking a quarterback high in the draft. They have interviewed most of the top prospects as the look to the future beyond starter Alex Smith.
We know the Chiefs’ other needs as inside linebacker, cornerback, running back and guard. That doesn’t mean that all of those needs will be addressed in this draft as general manager John Dorsey has shown he is willing to take the best player available. In fact, guard isn’t very deep this year at all. Kansas City is a team with few holes in its quest to capture another division title. The draft could be the key to turn a division title into a Super Bowl appearance.
With that in mind, let’s get things kicked off with this latest seven-round mock draft for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Round 1, Pick 27: DeShone Kizer, QB – Notre Dame
Many believe that DeShone Kizer would have been a top selection in the 2018 draft had he stayed one more year in college. Declaring this year makes him the third or fourth best quarterback available. Kizer is big and athletic, if not considered fast. He can evade pressure and use his size to gain first downs, but don’t expect him to be outrunning defenders downfield.
Kizer could find himself in the perfect situation with Kansas City as he learns for at least a year. One could argue he would be gone by No. 27, but some teams have started to look at 2018. That class is expected to have some high level prospects at quarterback. Therefore, those rebuilding teams may wait just one more year to try and reach on a franchise quarterback.
Round 2, Pick 59: Raekwon McMillan, ILB – Ohio State
This is the highest yet that I have the Chiefs drafting an inside linebacker, but it is a clear need. McMillan could be a starter right out of camp with Derrick Johnson easing his way back from his Achilles injury. He likely won’t stay there, however, and will be the primary backup for Johnson and Ramik Wilson.
The Chiefs will need to build him up in coverage as he tends to struggle in man-to-man. His strength comes from play recognition and gap anticipation. He has good instincts for run defense and that is primarily what the Chiefs need from an inside linebacker this season.