Ed Easton Jr’s crushes
Twitter: @EdEastonJr
Georgia RB DeAndre Swift
The Chiefs haven’t shown much interest in having an every-down running back due to the high volume of pass plays in Andy Reid’s offense. The prospect of adding a dynamic playmaking option like Swift is almost too much to pass up. Swift was a standout star during his time with the University of Georgia. He led the Bulldogs with 1,218 yards rushing this past season on 6.21 yards per carry.
Chiefs Pro Bowl receiver Mecole Hardman was college teammates with Swift before he was drafted by Kansas City last offseason. Hardman has continued to have an off-field relationship with Swift to become a mentor to the 21-year old running back. Swift spoke about the possibility of joining Hardman with the Chiefs during his media availability at February’s NFL Scouting Combine.
“It would be amazing,” said Swift. “Just seeing how they use each player differently that would be amazing. Seeing how they use Mecole (Hardman) was nice too. That’s a good friend of mine”.
Missouri DT Jordan Elliott
Elliott checks the boxes for general manager Brett Veach in his search to add more options on the defensive line. He has good size, strength, length and quickness. The University of Missouri standout is also well aware of the team culture due to his proximity to Kansas City.
Elliott showed tremendous ability last season in the SEC at stopping the run with 31 solo tackles. The Chiefs defense struggled at times last season to stop opposing team’s rushing attack. Elliott could be a valuable selection on the line to provide better coverage on obvious running downs.
Elliott had a formal meeting with the Chiefs at February’s NFL combine and has expressed interest in staying home in Missouri. He spoke highly about the Chiefs organization during his media availability.
“I like the Chiefs; they’re a great organization,” said Elliott. “They’re real professional, so I like them. It would be crazy. It would be a blessing just being back in that city, back in that state. I feel like it would be almost like going back to your hometown even though it’s not my hometown, but I’ve been there for so long.”
Elliott could learn from high profile veterans like Chris Jones and Frank Clark to develop into an impact player for years to come.
Ohio State CB Damon Arnette
The Chiefs are in need of more help in the secondary especially at cornerback and one player that makes sense is Ohio State’s Damon Arnette. Arnette is a physical defender that will put pressure on receivers at the line of scrimmage and fearless enough to make plays on the ball.
Arnette fits defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, with the ability to play both inside and outside corner positions. He played four seasons at Ohio State and would bring a more seasoned approach to the professional ranks.
Arnette had a good senior season with 35 tackles, eight passes defended and one interception. He had ample opportunities for the Buckeyes playing opposite teammate and projected top 5 selection Jeff Okudah. The extra reps opened more eyes around the league of his ability to step up and not be a liability to opposing game plans.