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Kansas City Chiefs: 2018 NFL Draft grades for Day 2 picks

By Michael Johnson

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: Keytaon Thompson #10 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs is sacked by Breeland Speaks #9 of the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: Keytaon Thompson #10 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs is sacked by Breeland Speaks #9 of the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t have a selection on Day 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft, so how did they fare once they finally got on the clock in Day 2.

After trading up to select Patrick Mahomes last year, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t have a selection in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. That meant waiting until Day 2 to try and add to a roster that does have some holes.

This is a franchise that, with head coach Andy Reid at the helm, has valued versatility on defense and explosiveness on offense. Thus, it made sense that’s where they’d look in the draft.

How did they wind up though?

No. 46: Breeland Speaks, DT, Ole Miss

Currently the Chiefs have Justin Houston and Dee Ford at outside linebacker. Speaks is rush end with long arms who reminds me of Tamba Hali. He’s 6-3, 283 pounds and could be used in the same manner in a rotation. However, because of his length, he could line up as the 5-technique. No matter where he plays, this was a value pick by the Chiefs who need to find ways to get after the quarterback. 

Grade: B+

No. 75: Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State

Florida State always has dominating defensive lineman and Derrick Nnadi is no exception. What Nnadi will bring bring to the Chiefs is a player that’s stout at the point of attack who utilizes power to become the great run defender. He’d be able to come in at nose tackle as a potential upgrade over the current nose, Xavier Williams. 

Grade: B+

No. 100: Dorian O’Daniel, LB, Clemson 

This was a pick made to help their special teams day one while he potentially sits and learns the inside linebacker position. The 6-1, 223-pound outside linebacker was great for the Tigers and lived in the backfield finishing the season with 11.5 tackles for loss. O’Daniel’s ability to dominate on as a special teams player has been praised for his ability.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

Inside linebackers Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens are penciled in as the starters with Ragland as the take-on linebacker. Should he ever see the field as a backer, it’ll be as a 3-4 chase inside backer. O’Daniel doesn’t have a lot of value as a pure linebacker so his play on special teams is essential.  This pick was a bit high for a special teams guy, but they needed the depth. 

Grade: C- 

Overall Grade: B

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