2014 NFL Draft grades: Kansas City Chiefs select Dee Ford

With the 23rd overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs selected former Auburn Tigers’ defensive end Dee Ford.

Ford is a bit undersized at 6’2 and 252 pounds and got off to a bit of a slow start in 2013 before really coming on in the second half of the season for the SEC Champion Auburn Tigers. The Chiefs probably could have gone on in a different direction because they have a couple of excellent pass rushers in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, but Ford is obviously a welcome addition.

Obviously, playing against the run could be a bit of an issue for Ford, but his ability as a pass rusher and improvement in all areas of his game can’t be overlooked. He was also at his best during some of the biggest games, playing perhaps his best game of the season in a 45-41 win over the Texas A&M Aggies, who featured arguably the best offensive tackle duo in college football in Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi. He also showed out in the Tigers’ 34-31 loss to the Florida State Seminoles in the BCS National Championship Game. Ford finished the season with 10.5 sacks and then was excellent in the Senior Bowl

Ford is a fantastic pass rusher and only adds to the Chiefs’ pass rush, which should be among the best in the NFL.

Grade: B+