9, 29, 40, and 74: What defensive ends could be available in the first three rounds?
In the first series of this exercise, let's dive into what edge rushers could top the Chiefs draft boards at each selection.
The first wave of the NFL’s free agency period is over, and the Chiefs have worked to address (at least to some level) several key needs on the roster. To this point, Kenneth Walker appears to be the biggest move the team will make in the offseason from a financial perspective.
The offensive side of the ball got a major boost with a quality running back, but the defensive side of the ball has been more about rounding out the roster and ensuring there are quality contributors and depth.
The path to significant improvement at EDGE before the draft is narrow. There are a few veterans available who could look for one-year deals in pursuit of a ring. A trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux would move the needle. Beyond that, it looks like the draft could be the place where the Chiefs could get the most meaningful impact in their defensive end room.
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EDGE is clearly one of the top positions of need as the roster sits today. It would be a surprise to see the Chiefs exit the first two days of the draft without getting a contributor. Luckily for them, there are options that could be available at all of the spots they have on nights one and two.
I looked at ideal candidates that could be available to the team at 9, 29, 40, and 74, with a bonus day three selection thrown in.
Pick 9: Rueben Bain, Miami
From the KCSN Draft Guide: Bain has a compact, dense frame that allows him to play with immense power and leverage.
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but Bain remains the ideal target for the Chiefs at 9. Despite the arm length issues, the tape is hard to ignore. The play style is a tremendous fit for Steve Spagnuolo, with the motor, physicality, and three-down mentality.
The last time they trusted the tape with a short-armed defensive player, they moved up for Trent McDuffie and parlayed that into four outstanding seasons, two Super Bowls, and more picks after letting him walk.
Bain has the kind of tape that makes you ignore the less-than-desirable measurables.
Pick 29: TJ Parker, Clemson
From the KCSN Draft Guide: Parker is a well built traditional defensive end with long arms, higher cut hips, and a muscular frame. He rushes with raw power and builds out his rush plan from his long-arm.