Now that we’ve passed the first wave of free agency, our friends over at Draft Wire have released a new mock draft. This mock draft only covers three rounds and includes several trades. While the Chiefs didn’t make a trade in this particular mock draft, they’re a team to keep an eye on. They don’t currently have any picks beyond the fifth round and could look to trade down and pick up some extra selections.
Here’s a look at Luke Easterling’s latest choices for the Chiefs along with my thoughts on each of those choices:
32. Kansas City Chiefs
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE/DL | Iowa
Epenesa is still the choice for the Chiefs at pick No. 32 for Easterling. Here are his latest thoughts on why the pick makes sense for Kansas City.
“Another team that probably wouldn’t mind trading back, the Chiefs can also just wait for the value to fall to them. That lines up with their biggest needs in this situation, as a versatile defensive lineman like Epenesa would be a huge boost to a front that needs to reload with some youth. Despite disappointing at the combine, Epenesa’s film should still prove him to be a first-round pick.”
This pick is growing on me for a variety of reasons. If we look to the future, DE Tanoh Kpassagnon is set to become a free agent. He’s the type of role player that could fetch a lot on the open market. The Chiefs need to prepare their defensive line rotation for that potential departure and Epenesa offers similar versatility.
I like that Easterling is thinking trade back here, because that’s what Brett Veach should be thinking about too, especially given their success from picks 56 to 63 in 2019.