The Athletic (Dane Brugler – March 4): Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Dane Brugler, one of the top draft analysts out there, elected to go with Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly to Kansas City at pick No. 31. Here’s more from Brugler:
“Conerly, who had the best 10-yard split of any lineman at the combine, has high-level quickness and recovery balance.”
CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson – March 4): Toledo DT Darius Alexander
Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports sent a defensive player to Kansas City in Round 1, slotting defensive tackle Darius Alexander as the Chiefs’ pick at No. 31 overall. Here’s what Wilson had to say about Alexander:
“Darius Alexander had great tape for Toledo last fall, then balled out at the Senior Bowl against some of the best players in the country and followed that up with a solid week at the combine. He’s a high-motor player who has both juice and power, consistently uses his hands well and is not only disruptive as a pass rusher but is hard to move against the run. He’s improved his draft stock after the season, after the college all-star games and now after the combine. Don’t expect that trend to change in the lead up to the draft.”
USA TODAY (March 3): Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
Tyler Dragon from USA TODAY went with what’s been a popular pick for Kansas City lately, sending Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons to the Chiefs. Here’s more from Dragon:
“Simmons provides Kansas City with what could be a long-term answer at left tackle.”
The 33rd Team (March 3): Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
Kyle Crabbs from The 33rd Team also has the Chiefs going with an offensive tackle in Round 1, but he instead opted for Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Here’s what Crabbs wrote about the pick:
“Banks Jr. has long been considered a consensus top talent at his respective position, and I left the NFL Combine more curious as to where the league stands on Banks versus the outside consensus. He’s still a very promising talent with plenty to offer in the run game…Banks would be too good to pass up.”
Pro Football Focus (March 3): Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Trevor Sikkema from PFF sent Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to Kansas City at pick No. 31. Here’s what Sikkema wrote about the decision:
“I firmly believe the Chiefs will draft the top offensive tackle on their board, whether that be here at No. 31 or a few picks ahead via a small trade-up.”
NFL.com (Bucky Brooks – February 25): Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
Bucky Brooks from NFL.com also went with an Oregon lineman in his latest mock, but instead of Conerly, Brooks went with a defensive player in Derrick Harmon. Here’s more from Brooks:
“Finding Chris Jones a disruptive playmate would keep Kansas City’s defense operating at a high level. Harmon’s athleticism and instincts could help him flourish in Steve Spagnuolo’s ultra-aggressive scheme.”
ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr. – February 25): Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery
The original draft guru himself, Mel Kiper Jr., has the Chiefs going with Kansas City native Aireontae Ersery at the end of Round 1. Here’s what Kiper wrote about Ersery:
“Ersery is a massive blocker at 6-6 and 330 pounds, and he shows ample power and movement skills on tape. He allowed just four sacks over 39 college starts.”
