Draft Day is less than 48 hours away and all the build-up will finally reach an end.
Here is a look at the direction Chiefs general manager John Dorsey and his staff can go throughout the upcoming weekend.
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1.18: OLB Shane Ray, Missouri
The 6-3, 245-pound Ray will likely see his stock drop after he was cited for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. The former Tiger doesn’t necessarily fit a need for the organization, but offers the best player on the board, provided the Chiefs are comfortable with any character concerns. Ray provides versatility; he is capable of rushing the passer and defending the edge against the run. The Kansas City native has natural fluidity in his ability to change direction and is a very explosive pass rusher around the corner.
2.49: ILB Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Derrick Johnson, who turns 33 in November, enters the final year of his contract and the Chiefs need to prepare for his exit. The 6-0, 230-pound Kendricks provides the organization a versatile middle linebacker. The former Bruin is a very instinctive football player; he deciphers the backfield well and is smooth in coverage. Kendricks is arguably the best middle linebacker from this class, and would be an immediate starter and impact player from the first game on. The Chiefs may need to move up to guarantee themselves his rights.
3.80: WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
The 5-10, 182-pound Lockett gets knocked for his size, but is a perfect fit for the Chiefs. The former Wildcat is a precise route runner capable of contributing the moment he steps on the field. Lockett understands how to beat coverage and has the speed to create separation or take it the distance for a touchdown. Lockett studies a great deal of tape and it shows on the football field.
3.98 (compensatory pick): OT Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin
The 6-7, 321-pound Havenstein fits the size of what coach Andy Reid historically desires in an offensive tackle. The former Badger has good functional strength, understands how to wall off defenders and kick out an edge rusher to allow his back a run lane inside. Havenstein has a good punch and quick feet to go with his drive and reach blocks. He would provide immediate competition at right tackle.
4.118th: CB Bobby McCain, Memphis
The 5-9, 195-pound McCain does not fit the ideal mold of a John Dorsey corner in terms of measurements, but he would help stop the revolving door at the nickel spot. The Chiefs have gone through Dunta Robinson, Brandon Flowers and Chris Owens in two seasons. The former Tiger will have some growing pains in press coverage but there is a ton of potential and play-making ability to tap into. McCain is aggressive in run support, tracks the ball well and digest combo routes very quickly.
5.172 (compensatory pick): C B.J. Finney, Kansas State
The 6-4, 318-pound Finney would provide the Chiefs quality depth behind Eric Kush. Finney has a solid punch and does a good job mirroring in pass protection. The former Wildcat is smart with his hand placement and has a solid base to maintain his positioning.
5.173 (compensatory pick): CB Ron Fields,Texas A&M Commerce
The 6-3, 195-pound cornerback from Texas is flying under the radar. Fields shines in off and soft coverage by timing routes, he also drives on the ball very quickly. The former Lion is able to redirect the receiver with his punch, he tracks the football very well on deep passes and has quick feet to provide him an easy recovery from double moves. Fields is one of the hidden gems of this draft in the right system.
6.192: TE Will Tye, Stony-Brook
The 6-3, 260-pound tight end showcases solid athletic ability on tape. Tye is a fluid route runner for his size and create separation with his cuts. The former Seawolve is extremely effective down the seam with his speed and recognition of the voids in zone coverages. He can take a simply lasso route and turn it into a 15-yard touchdown by outrunning the poor pursuit angles. Tye is also a solid blocker at the line of scrimmage.
6.217 (compensatory pick): DE Quayshawne Buckley, Idaho
The 6-3, 305-pound defensive lineman has a quick first step and consistent hustle to go with in. Buckley was a disruptive force on tape by penetrating the backfield in both run and pass, using his hands to get better positioning on his rushes. The former Vandal can split double teams, but is also stout enough to maintain his positioning if required. He provides the team an effective pass rushing alternative when Dontari Poe needs a break.
7.223: WR Gavin Lutman, Pittsburg State
The 6-4, 201-pound Missouri native is an intriguing late-round prospect who would provide the Chiefs a physical possession receiver with the ideal size to fit the system. Lutman has a good catch radius for his size and the ability to break arm tackles after the initial contact. The former Gorilla understands how to his hands and body to gain separation against press coverage. Lutman has solid speed for his size and is tough over the middle.
