The Chiefs Get Defensive

“I always look at the Steelers and Ravens teams, they just kind of rolled their sleeves up and played football. It’s a four-quarter battle; that’s the kind of the mentality we want for the Chiefs.” 

This was the mindset that Brett Viech and company had going into the 2018 NFL draft.  It’s reflected in their picks.

Starting with Breeland Speaks. Speaks will stand up and come off the edge as an outside linebacker, but don’t rule out seeing him with his hand in the dirt in a passing situation. He’s been compared to Chiefs legend Tamba Hali, not bad company to be in.

               

Derrick Nnadi will be crucial to stuffing the run, an issue that has plagued the Chiefs.  Dorian O’Daniel, described as a “dime” linebacker, will be running around the field in passing situations adding depth behind Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens.

              

Safety, Armani Watts will be the Chief’s designated turn over machine, picking footballs out of the air like sun ripened peaches. Described as “extremely greedy”, and having 15 interceptions in his college career to prove it, Tremon Smith could be a valuable asset at cornerback.

               

The Chiefs drafted for defensive improvements, but perhaps the most intriguing choice will be switching lines. Kahlil McKenzie will be moving from defensive line, where he played in college, to offensive line in a guard position.  When asked about the switch, McKenzie said “I just want to play football.”

               

Speaking of guards, how many of you have heard "Voice of the Chiefs" Mitch Holthus call out the Canadian Doctor, #76 Laurent Duvernay-Tardif? How many know it is not just a clever nick-name and he actually is a Canadian doctor? 

Tune into my next blog to find out more about the Chief’s Canadian born, French speaking offensive linemen with a medical degree.

Kansas City Chiefs 2018 NFL Draft Selection

Breeland Speaks: Defensive End, ‘Ole Miss.
A three-plus year career culminating in 2017 second-team all-SEC honors; Speaks tallied 127 tackles, 9 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries and four passes defensed in 37 games.

Derrick Nnadi: Defensive Tackle, Florida State.
Nnadi’s 48 game career included 165 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, including his first team all-ACC honors.

Dorian O’Daniel: Linebacker, Clemson.
Finalist for the 2017 Butkus award, member of Sports Illustrated All American team and 2016 National title winning Clemson Tigers (logging 4 tackles against defending champs Alabama). He accumulated 227 tackles (28 for loss), 8.5 sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries in 56 games.

Armani Watts: Safety, Texas A&M.
A 4-year starter, he recorded 324 tackles, (24 for loss), 17 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks, first team all-SEC and AP third team All American honors.

Tremon Smith: Cornerback, Central Arkansas.
Member of an FCS football program, Smith would still pad his stat sheet with 146 tackles, 53 passes defensed, 15 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in 48 games.

Kahlil McKenzie: Defensive Tackle, Tennessee.
Although he played DT in college, the Chiefs selected McKenzie for the position of Offensive Guard. It has been stated, that with a strong base, and a lower body like a brick wall, offensive guard would be an excellent fit for him. When approached with this possibility, McKenzie replied, “I’d be willing to do anything, I just want to play football.”

Alright, I’ve provided the Chief’s 2018 draft picks and their numbers, but what does the Blind QB think?

Read my upcoming blog to find out.