While many pundits are focusing on the receiver position for the Chiefs, it’s evident that the team also needs a competent edge rusher. Regardless of what the team decides to do at receiver, it’s all but a certainty that the edge position will be addressed with one of the team’s first round picks (unless a trade occurs).
4 Edge Rushers That Could Be Available to KC
- George Karlaftis (Purdue). A great combination of power size and strength. Karlaftis is versatile enough to play all over the defensive line. His weakness is playing against the run as we saw multiple times against greater Big 10 competition. We love the instincts, physicality and motor. Overall a great option for KC at 29 or 30.
- Jermaine Johnson (Florida State). Length, agility and athleticism. That’s how Johnson wins at the edge position. Johnson was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 as he exploded up the draft boards with 12 sacks. Johnson’s blend of strength and athleticism should make him a firm edge-setter and playmaker near the line of scrimmage.
- Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State). Said to possess NFL veteran-like ability, the learning curve for Ebiketie may be minimal. Ebiketie is a very skilled edge rusher with accurate and savvy hands. He is not as dominant against the run, however, as his leaner bottom-half makes him more moveable by tackles and TE’s.
- Boye Mafe (Minnesota). An exciting blend of speed and power, Mafe was shot u the boards after he earned the highest pass-rushing grade among edge defenders during the Senior Bowl practices. He’s an ascending player who possesses one of the best get-offs in the class. We like the 4.53 40 time and quick ability to engage ball carriers in the running game.
Other Players of Note
- Nik Bonitto (Oklahoma)
- David Ojabo (Michigan)
- Josh Paschal (Kentucky)
