Way-too-early 2021 NFL draft crushes for Chiefs

A look at five college football players who we’ll be watching for the Kansas City Chiefs.

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USC DT Jay Tufele

Tufele was a top high school recruit and had offers from basically all the best Power 5 schools. He ended up choosing USC and redshirted in 2017. In his first two seasons playing he hasn’t disappointed, recording 64 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a ball batted and an interception. He’s also blocked a field goal, which is always a good sign.

At 6-3 and 305 pounds, Tufele has a unique blend of strength, athleticism and quickness. He brings effort on every play, but what really stands out is his patience. He’s able to bait offensive linemen into putting themselves in compromising situations. He’s very good at tracking the ball and using his hands to disengage blockers when the time is right. If Chris Jones is on his way out of Kansas City in 2021, Tufele could be the right guy to succeed him.