Kansas City Chiefs: Post-Combine 7-round 2018 mock draft
Most of the more immediate needs for the Kansas City Chiefs come on the defensive side of the ball. Depending on how free agency goes, the Chiefs could be looking to go defense heavy in the 2018 NFL Draft. That being said, they still need to build their offensive around Patrick Mahomes and will undoubtedly look to add talent that helps him succeed.
Offensively, left guard stands out as the Chiefs’ biggest position of need. It would be a massive mistake to go into next season with Bryan Witzmann as their starter at the position. In the second round of this mock draft, the Chiefs fill their need at left guard by snagging Will Hernandez out of UTEP.
More from Kansas City Chiefs
- Chiefs undrafted rookie could push first-round pick off the roster
- 2023 NFL Season: Predicting the passing touchdown leaders
- 3 players the Kansas City Chiefs gave up on way too soon
- 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
- 2023 NFL Season: Way too early picks for division winners
With ridiculous natural power and strength, Hernandez is one of the premier run blockers in this entire draft class. He explodes off of the snap and engages the opposing defender with force. He is an absolute mauler who typically dominates his opponent once he makes contact.
Hernandez’s power makes him an extremely interesting prospect, but do not look at him as a plodding power guy. He shows impressive quickness and natural athleticism for an offensive lineman. He shows enough foot speed to produce quality reach and pull blocks.
Hernandez does lack ideal length for an offensive lineman and that does get him in trouble in pass protection at times. That being said, he has shown an overall ability to protect the quarterback at a relatively high level.
Simply put, Hernandez is a dominant run blocker who also protects the quarterback well. He is an NFL-ready prospect who also has exciting long-term upside. With this pick, the Chiefs would solve their need at left guard, rounding out a strong offensive line.