Sac's 2016 Chiefs Mock Draft

[Saccopoo]

Post NFL Combine Edition!

While many deride the Combine as an "underwear Olympics," GM John Dorsey puts a lot of stock into a players measurables when considering potential draft picks. Prototype physical measurments and explosiveness are big on his lists. Dorsey seems to place emphasis on the 3 Cone Drill times as well. He doesn't shy away from small school players and has no problem drafting them if they fall within his Decision Lens metrics.

As such, here's the new Chiefs mock that considers the 2016 NFL Combine:

1. Paxton Lynch, QB; Memphis, RS Junior: 6'7", 245 lb.

Combine measurements:
Height: 6'6.5"
Weight: 244 lb.
Arms: 34.5"
Hands: 10.25"
40: 4.86 seconds
Vertical: 36"
Broad: 118"
3 Cone: 7.14 seconds

- Lynch has modern prototype physical measurements for the position to go with long arms and huge hands. He also clocked in the highest ball velocity at the 2016 NFL Combine at 59 mph - meaning he's got a cannon. He also has the physical explosion that Dorsey covets in his prospects (vertical and broad jumps). He looked poised with good footwork during the drills. A little shaky on some of the throws, but displayed good placement with velocity on most tosses.

The Chiefs were one of 12 teams to meet with Lynch at the Combine and they sent scouts to every Memphis game this past season.

Season stats:
13 games
Passing:
296/443
66.8%
3,378 yards
28 TDs
4 Ints

Rushing:
239 yards
2 TDs

- Lynch was an absolute force for the vast majority of the 2015 season, passing for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns eight times while leading the Tigers to a 9-3 record and a bowl matchup with Auburn. Lynch progressed each season, increasing his accuracy, yards, yards per attempt and TD to Int ratio.

Has dropped a bit in the eyes of the draftniks due to an average showing against Auburn and the rise of NDS' Carson Wentz, but IMO Lynch is the best QB in this draft and fits what Reid wants in a QB. (Think of a 3" taller, bigger armed Alex Smith and that's what you have in Lynch.) With Daniel a FA and Smith at 31, it's an opportune time to bring in the legit QBOTF for this franchise and have him learn the system and league behind Smith. Both Reid and Dorsey have brought in QB's in just this situation before and I don't see them passing on a talent like Lynch here if he is available.

Very tall, athletic body with ability to scan over the top. Elite foot quickness for a tall quarterback. Can maneuver quickly out of a busy pocket and away from trouble, but desires to keep passing option alive. Sets up in the pocket quickly and generally keeps feet "throw ready". More functional scrambler than "tuck and run" quarterback. Sacked just 15 times over 477 drop backs. Able to win with his feet when he needs to. Has a quick release to overcome his slight wind*-up. Has enough arm to drive the ball into restricted windows. Has enough arm to attack downfield while on the move. Makes good decisions. Rarely takes the cheese when cornerbacks try and bait him. Displays qualities of a field leader and isn't easy to rattle. Yards per attempt have exploded over his last two years. Can gain chunk yards as zone-read quarterback and will appeal to boot*-action teams. Will be challenging to defend in the red area.

Tall, lanky frame with broad shoulders and room to add more weight - built for the NFL and can take a beating. Light on his feet with the athleticism and body control to climb, shuffle and slide in the pocket, buying time and adjusting his throwing platform when needed.
Throws with accuracy on the move and comfortable moving the pocket with boots and motions. Good-enough arm strength to fire strikes with a quick trigger. Quick eyes to scan and make whole field reads. Improved poise to sense pressure and comfortable operating from within a confined pocket. Has the arm talent to get away with throwing without a firm base. Coaches praise his ability to acclimate and football IQ.

(Former picks: Vadal Alexander, OL; LSU, Reggie Ragland, MLB; Alabama, Germain Ifedi, OT; Texas A&M; Austin Johnson, DT; Penn State)

2. Joshua Garnett, OG; Stanford, Senior: 6'5", 325 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'4.5"
Weight: 312 lb.
Arms: 33 7/8"
Hands: 10 1/8"
Bench: 30 Reps
40: 5.32 seconds
Broad: 99"
3 Cone: 7.62 seconds

- The 2015 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in college football at Left Guard for the Cardinals. Powerful and flat out nasty. Will absolutely drive even the biggest defensive tackles all over the field at will. Uses his hands exceptionally well and easily picks up secondary blitzers and re-directs them while engaged with primary blocking responsibility.

Long arms and big, heavy hands with real power with his legs and arms. With the possibility of Jeff Allen leaving as a free agent and Ben Grubbs and Fanaika with injury + performance issues and Mitch Morse with a serious concussion issue that held him out the last month plus of the 2015 season, the interior offensive line is a real issue. Garnett is one of those rare players who's intelligence, strength, football skills and nasty demeanor would give him the chance to immediately start at a high level. Reminds me of a quicker Gabe Jackson. Just mean as shit on the field.





Former picks: Demarcus Robinson, WR; Florida, Christian Hackenberg, QB; Penn State; Deiondre Hall, CB; Northern Iowa

3. Deiondre' Hall, CB; Northern Iowa: 6'2", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 199 lb.
Arms: 34 3/8"
Hands: 9 6/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 4.68 seconds
Vertical: 37"
Broad: 127"
3 Cone: 7.07 seconds

- While Hall's 40 time was a little disappointing, consider that another small school (Montana), but very physically similar CB Trumaine Johnson posted near identical numbers at his Combine. Hall's real gift is his unbelievable length, with the wingspan of a condor or albatross. He's also blossomed as a press corner in 2015, being named the Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Very good vertical and excellent broad jump. 82 tackles with 6 interceptions (two of them being returned for touchdowns). An aggressive and instinctive player who, like Sean Smith, found his calling as a press man corner. IMO, the best CB in the draft to emulate or replace what the Chiefs currently have in Sean Smith.

Brandon Lynch was hired as the Panthers’ defensive- backs coach in 2013. Midway through that season, Hall switched from a linebacker/safety/nickel position in the Panthers’ 3-4 scheme to outside cornerback and fared well in the Panthers man-coverage heavy scheme.

That offseason, Hall recalled, Lynch — who is now the assistant head coach for defense — had a message for him.

“He was like, ‘Dee, if you really trust this layout for you — if you trust this plan — then it will take you places, wherever you want to go,’ ” Hall said.

Lynch was right. Hall embraced the challenge of being on an island almost every play, and matured into the defensive player of the year for the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2015.

“Being able to play press all the time is great,” Hall said. “The last two years it was almost strictly press-man (and) playing off man coverage. When you have a good front seven you can do that, and you really only have to win in the first 10-15 yards because that ball is coming out, so either he’s getting sacked or we’re breaking on the ball.”

Has the arm length of a left tackle. Long arms are extremely disruptive against 50/50 balls. Uses length to stuff blockers and get into the action. Values run support and tackling and is never shy. Unusually high tackle count for a cornerback (82 this season) and forced three fumbles. Not intimidated by physical receivers from bigger programs. Offers help outside his area if he reads quarterback?s intentions. Closes the deal when he has a shot at an interception finishing with 13 for his career including six this year. Instinctive and aware in thirds coverage and looked comfortable playing from safety slot.

Former pick(s): (Cassanova McKinzy, LB; Auburn, Scooby Wright, LB; Arizona; Dak Prescott, QB; Ole Miss; Miles Killebrew, S; Southern Utah)

4. Joe Haeg, OT; North Dakota State: 6'6", 310 lb.

Combine:
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 304 lb.
Arms: 33 3/4"
Hands: 9 5/8"
Bench: DNP
40: 5.16 seconds
Vertical: ?
Broad: 111"
3 Cone: 7.47 seconds

- Top performer in the OL group in the broad jump, 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle (4.47 seconds).

- You want to know who has the most upside at the offensive tackle position in this draft? This dude. The first time I watched the Bison to look at QB Wentz, it was Haeg who immediately jumped off the screen. Incredible feet, balance, kick, arms and hands. Two time first Team FCS All-American. Four year starter, two at RT and two at LT. Give this guy an NFL weight and film room and he's got the potential to be an All-Pro.

“I like this North Dakota kid a lot,” an AFC personnel director said. “He’s tough. He’s got a good hand punch and he stays on his feet and can mirror pass rushers. He’s got the upside that you want to work with and develop him for down the road into a future starter.”

Former pick(s): (Maurice Canady, CB; Virginia)

5. Tyvis Powell, S; Ohio State: 6'3", 215 lb. Junior.

Combine:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 211 lb.
Arms: 32 3/4"
Hands: 9 1/2"
Bench: 15 reps
40: 4.46 seconds
Vertical: 34.5"
Broad: 120"
3 Cone: 7.03 seconds

- Overshadowed by Vonn Bell, but Powell excelled as the single high free safety in the Buckeyes defense. Defensive MVP of the 2014 National Championship game. Long and fast. Excellent recovery speed and really breaks well on the ball in the air. 71 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2015. Already has degree as an early entry junior.

Has plus traits that lead to quality ball skills. Can run. Plays with range speed necessary to come from opposite hash and challenge the deep ball. Good leaper with high point springs. Twitch is there to break on in-*cutting routes and make a play. Has excellent hands and comes down with the interception when it is there for him. Posted seven interceptions over last two seasons. Able to track down runners turning the corner.

(Previous pick - Tyler Marz, OT; Wisconsin; Bronson Kaufusi, DE; BYU; Ben Braunecker, TE; Harvard; Nick Vigil, LB; Utah State)





Former picks: Doug Middleton, S; Appalachian State, Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State

6. David Onyemata, DT; University of Manitoba; 6'4", 305 lb.

- The J.P. Metras Award winner, which is given to the top down lineman in Canadian college football. Originally from Nigeria, he didn't start playing football, actually never saw a football game, until 2011. (Played soccer to that point.) By the 2015 season, where he accumulated 50 tackles including 5 sacks while being double teamed nearly every down, he was showcasing superior strength and athleticism. Onyemata is considered the top Canadian NFL prospect, and received an invite to the East West Shrine game where he was described as "dominant" during practice. Consider him the LDT of the defensive side of the ball.





Former pick(s): De'Vondre Campbell, OLB; Minnesota

6. Hunter Sharp, WR; Utah State: 5'11", 200 lb.

Combine:
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 198 lb.
Arms: 31 5/8"
Hands: 9 3/8"
Bench: 12 reps
40: 4.58 seconds
Vertical: 32.5"
Broad: 116"
3 Cone: 7.12 seconds

- I was more shocked with Sharp's less than stellar Combine numbers than almost anyone there. While not bad, they weren't what you saw on the field on Saturdays for the Aggies, where he was always the fastest guy on the field regardless of who they were playing. One of those guys who just seems to pick it up when the pads go on. Or didn't "train" well enough for the combine itself. Regardless, the guy can catch a football and his numbers will drop him into the fifth round easily at this point, where I think he'll be a steal.

- Speed. That's how Sharp plays the game from whistle to whistle. He's also a cocky, tough son of a bitch that plays fearless. Had 939 yards in 13 games in 2014 and 839 yards in 11 games in 2015 on a team built to run the ball. Averaged a ridiculous 35.4 yards per on kickoff returns in 2015. Will happily lay out for the highlight reel catch as well as put clown shoes on defenders with the ball in his hands on the open field. Think Steve Smith at the same stage. (Cousin of current Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson.)

Can ruin a cornerbacks entire day with his speed. Explodes off the line of scrimmage with forward lean and is able to open to full stride almost immediately. Combines swivel hips along with bravado and speed to make his mark after the catch. Weaves through traffic in his routes and after catch seamlessly. Can make defenders miss, but isn't afraid to lean in and finish his run aggressively. Used from slot, outside and out of backfield. Big play potential vertically or underneath after the catch. Uses stutter-*and*-go to get cornerbacks tilting early in his release. Has the play strength and instant burst that should allow him to defeat press coverage as a pro. Runs patient, controlled routes and can maximize separation. Can return punts and kicks. Ran a variety of routes over last two seasons.

Former picks: Nelson Spruce, WR; Colorado

7. Tyrone Holmes, DE/OLB; Montana: 6'4", 250 lb.
- Your reigning 2015 FCS College Defensive Player of the Year. Former basketball and track star (shot put and high hurdles) in high school. 3.6 GPA in Marketing. Relentless. One of the real surprises of guys not getting a Combine invite. Dude led college football in sacks and was defensive player of the year in the FCS. That just doesn't seem right. Expect a pretty impressive pro day.

87 tackles, 21.5 tfl, 18 sacks, 3 ff.

"He doesn't say a whole lot, he just comes out and practices and plays the exact same way every single day - a hundred miles an hour," Montana coach Bob Stitt said. "It made our lives on offense through spring practices and fall camp miserable, having to try to block him and deal with him. So I know what opposing offenses are dealing with it with Tyrone. People feed off his play."

Former Pick(s): Storm Woods, RB; Oregon State

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

yeah, let's spend our first on a guard...genus

You see the difference that even a Jeff Allen makes in the game over warmed over dog shit?

By the time the Chiefs pick, the top three QB's will most likely be off the board. (Lynch, Goff, Cook.)

You take the best player at that point unless they actually do the bold and move up for a guy like Lynch.

Alexander would likely be in the conversation as BPA at that point. The guy is a fricking freight train. Go watch the last two years of LSU football. Dude absolutely wrecks defensive lines.

A guy like Hackenberg or Hogan should be available with the Chiefs second rounder and both are very similar players - big arm, good athletes, etc. Both are pretty solid prospects. (Personally, I like either of them better than Goff at this point and maybe even Cook. Lynch is my fav, but at this pace, he's not going to be available.)

If you can get a Hogan or Hackenberg in the second round, you load up on fixing the protection issue that has plague this team at the OG spot for the past five plus years. Alexander would rectify that immediately. And then you get your QBOTF in the second. (And both Hogan and Hack do have first round talent. It's just a pretty good 1 through 5 at the QB position - if all the QB's declare.)

[Direckshun]

There's really only one guard I would have taken in the first round in my roughly-decade-long time following the draft intensely, and that's David DeCastro, and he's hardly been worth the return on investment for the Steelers.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

There's really only one guard I would have taken in the first round in my roughly-decade-long time following the draft intensely, and that's David DeCastro, and he's hardly been worth the return on investment for the Steelers.

You can say that about most positions though.

And due to the rookie salary cap, the positional value is not as critical as it was in the recent past. You just get the best guy on the board, regardless of position as it only helps build the team.

Look at the Chiefs this season - the addition of Jeff Allen and Sean Smith has basically turned around this team from an on field performance stand point. And neither are world beaters, but they are good enough to be the difference in a team who was pretty close.

They still need a legitimate RG and RT. And Vadal Alexander is legit. The Tigers have basically run behind him for three straight seasons and have done so effectively. He absolutely works dudes. Nasty.

And I would have taken Gabe Jackson in the first round of 2014. He was the best OG prospect I've seen in a long time and he's absolutely ****ing dudes up this season. Big reason for the Raiders possible resurgence in 2015.

ESPN’s NFL Insider Matt Williamson, a former NFL scout, recently said Jackson is on the brink of being an elite player. He said Jackson is one of the key foundation players of an organization that’s rebuilding around him, Carr, Cooper and Mack.
“He’s one of the very top young guards in the NFL right now,” Williamson told ESPN.com. “

Vadal Alexander is that same type of player. Very physical, looking to intimidate guys opposite of him. Plays with a strong base and drives dudes relentlessly.

Alexander, who is experienced at both guard and tackle, is a mauler in the run game with heavy hands and the core strength to generate movement at the point of attack.

You take the best available. If the Chiefs win the games that they should they will be picking in the teens to twenties and Alexander will definitely be in the conversation in terms of BPA at that point. (And, as stated, if that's where the Chiefs pick, then, most likely, the top three QB's will be off the board and they should have their pick of either Hackenberg or Hogan in the second - both of which have legitimate tools for the next level. (And I do think that Hackenberg has the potential to actually be the best QB in this draft class long term.)

[Mr_Tomahawk]

God I love this draft.

[SAUTO]

I'm in on this

[The Franchise]

If we aren't taking a QB until the 2nd.....give me Jaylon Smith, ILB in the first.

[jonzie04]

No idea where we will be picking, but if both Jaylon Smith and Vadal are there when we pick I'm taking Smith 100 times out of 100 picks. Don't know much about Vadal, but both Smith, and Jack have the upside to be among the very best in the game IMO. I do like the way you drafted though. We certainly could use another lineman or two. And I'd love to take the BPA in the first, assuming the top 2 QBs were gone, and then follow it up with the best QB available.

[RunKC]

Your first round pick sucks In pass pro and got humiliated vs Alabama.

These days you should be looking to take a QB, OT, pass rusher or secondary in round 1 unless there is a truly great generational player available.

[Urc Burry]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

If we aren't taking a QB until the 2nd.....give me Jaylon Smith, ILB in the first.

LOVE Jaylon Smith. Not sure he'll be there though. Would Myles Jack be a fit? I love his versatility

[ILChief]

CP will implode, but not bad picks

[Couch-Potato]

Great draft! Thank you for sharing.

If we went this direction I would need to see a Vet WR added that can actually play though.

...I'm already having nightmares that we'll end up grabbing Victor Cruz as our hot WR addition of the offseason.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Urc Burry

LOVE Jaylon Smith. Not sure he'll be there though. Would Myles Jack be a fit? I love his versatility

Why would we want to draft a guy/two guys who are 43 OLBs at the next level?

Great athletes the both of them, but neither are gap filling, 34 ILB's at the next level.

If you are looking for a potential convert from weakside OLB to ILB like Derrick Johnson, both McKinzy (who has played both inside and outside for Auburn) and Ohio State's Josh Perry (who is more of a traditional 34 OLB but has characteristics that would translate to the ILB 34 position) would be, potentially, better options than either Smith or Jack.

Personally, I'd love to see them pillage either Zach Vigil or Josh Hull from the Dolphins this off-season in addition to drafting a guy.

[Saccopoo]

Newly updated after the win against the shit munching Doncos.

[RunKC]

I think ILB is one of the least valuable positions to draft in the first rd unless a generational talent is there.

We also have Wilson and March.

[ILChief]

I liked the last version better