Fansided
Fansided

Kansas City Chiefs: 6 First Round Targets in the 2022 NFL Draft

By Hunter Haas

Jan 8, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam (DB09) talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam (DB09) talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Kaiir Elam is often forgotten about when cornerbacks are brought up. It is surprising because Elam has a family tree with multiple NFL players. His father, Abram, played seven seasons in the league and his uncle, Matt, was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2013 NFL Draft. Elam possesses a prototypical athletic profile for the cornerback position, standing at 6’ 1 1/2”, 191 pounds, and posting a blistering 4.39 in the 40-yard dash.

After losing starting cornerback Charvarius Ward to the San Francisco 49ers, arguably the biggest need for the Kansas City Chiefs is a cornerback. They have excelled at finding quality members of the secondary in the draft, especially in the later rounds.

Armed with two picks and a glaring hole, it’s time for the team to invest a day-one pick into a guy that can lock up the supremely talented collection of wide receivers in the AFC West. Elam and Sneed would give the Chiefs a duo that can grow into one of the best in the league.

Arnold Ebiketie, DL, Penn State

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to reach an agreement with defensive end Frank Clark on a contract restructure, keeping the former Seattle Seahawk in Kansas City for the 2022 NFL season. Veteran Melvin Ingram rejuvenated the unit late in the season, providing the only real threat — outside of Chris Jones — to opposing quarterbacks’ in the playoffs. It is uncertain whether or not Ingram will return, but even if he does, it is undeniable that the team needs to bring in a guy that can carry the torch on the edge going into the future.

Arnold Ebiketie is a hand-in-glove fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Ebiketie started his college career at Temple, before eventually landing with James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

He is a bit light for some teams’ liking, but all the other measurables line up for what NFL scouts look for in a pass rusher. Ebiketie is explosive off the snap and one of the most complete at the position in the draft. He can immediately replace the production that Ingram leaves behind on the same line as Chris Jones and Frank Clark. It’s a perfect landing spot for the sack artist to thrive.

Home/NFL Draft