Sept. 13, 2014; Pullman, WA; Washington State defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao (97) against Portland State at Martin Stadium. (AP Photo/Dean Hare)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs on Thursday hosted former Washington State defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao on a predraft visit, a source informed The Topeka Capital-Journal and ChiefsDigest.com.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Chiefs don’t announce predraft visits.
The 6-3, 298-pound Vaeao, an intriguing prospect from American Samoa, also recently had a private workout with the Atlanta Falcons, the source said.
Vaeao, who did not attend the NFL Scouting Combine, turned heads with his performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January.
He followed up by showing his athleticism in front of NFL scouts during his Pro Day workout on March 10, which the Chiefs attended.
Vaeao posted a 5.19 time in the 40-yard dash, 27 repetitions on the bench press, a 4.35 time in the 5-10-5 short shuttle, a 7.63 time in the 3-cone drill, a 35.5 leap in the vertical jump and a 9-foot broad jump.
His effort in the vertical jump would have tied for the second-highest mark among defensive linemen at the Combine, while his short shuttle time would have tied for the sixth-best mark.
On his career at Washington State, Vaeao totaled 83 tackles (47 solo, including 19 for a loss), seven sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.
While Vaeao often lined up as a defensive tackle in college, he has the versatility to play 5-technique (defensive end) in a 3-4 base defense.
Teams are allowed to host a maximum of 30 prospect visits before the NFL Draft. The visits could include interviews, physicals and written examinations. Teams are not allowed to put a visiting prospect through a workout.
Vaeao is among a group players independently confirmed by The Topeka Capital-Journal and ChiefsDigest.com as having met or scheduled to meet with the Chiefs.
UTEP defensive lineman Roy Robertson and Oregon State defensive lineman Kyle Peko had recent visits with the Chiefs, according to sources.
BYU wide receiver Mitch Mathews is scheduled for a predraft visit, Mathews’ agent, Brett Tessler, announced Thursday on Twitter.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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