I'll try and update this periodically throughout the season.
17. Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Chiefs currently aren't getting any pressure on the quarterback. That's obviously because Justin Houston is out, but Dee Ford, starting in his place, has done nothing. Tamba Hali doesn't have much longer remaining as a pro, so the Chiefs will need to find a suitable replacement for him.
49. Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern
The Chiefs could spend a second-day selection on an inside linebacker, given that Derrick Johnson is nearing retirement. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dagnabit:
Hali-replacement surgery?
More like a Dee Ford selection.
Ford, while he's played the strong side OLB for the most part due to Houston injuries over the past couple of seasons, is probably more suited to that "Falcon" weak side ROLB position (or whatever you want to call it) that Hali has manned. However, he's not the best in run support and Sutton seems to enjoy dropping that position/Hali into zone coverage more than I like to see and pass defense hasn't really been a hallmark of Ford's skillset - at least to this point consistently. At this point, I'd rather have them keep Ford as he is - a solid third option that can play either side and get a guy who can actually start at a high level as a rookie at Hali's position.
They need to get quality depth at the OLB position out of this next draft. A guy that can step in and produce when asked to without being a liability on the field. Right now, that's been Zombo, and he's a solid player, but they need another guy. (And Zombo was another college DE that is an NFL OLB in a 34.) He's only 29, but has never been the quickest cat off the edge. More of a outwork you type of player, but without the physical strength of a Tamba Hali.
Harris would be an excellent pick for the Chiefs. He's got an excellent first step and he plays with power. Really a nice prospect for a 34 defense, especially as Sutton's Chiefs defense has been run. That's as good a pick as they could hope for in the upcoming draft IMO. [Reply]
And the new D in Missouri isn't doing Harris any favors. The scheme is much more read and react and he seems constantly caught in between.
I'm not sure exactly how I feel about him, but if he's available in the late 1st it will be because this defensive scheme has neutered him. After last season, he looked like a probable top 10 pick based on his growth in his first 2 years. He's just completely stalled out. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dagnabit:
Soooo...remove him from the position he's being listed in for draft, and make him in to an OLB?
Sounds sane.
There are very few collegiate 3-4 defenses. Georgia and Alabama probably run the best, but Alabama OLBs are rarely that good. Most 3-4 OLBs were slightly undersized 4-3 DEs in college. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay:
It would be hard to imagine once Berry becomes a FA and Gaines proven he can't stay on the field that the Chiefs don't go secondary round 1.
Meanwhile the quarterback position will be one of the worst situations in the entire NFL. [Reply]