2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Chiefs could take in Round 1

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks to Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Ross Blacklock #DL02 of the TCU Horned Frogs speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Ross Blacklock

Drafting Blacklock would give the Chiefs a more conventional, like-for-like replacement for Jones at the defensive tackle position. It’s unlikely he will ever equal Jones in terms of pass rushing production, but he has the tools to be a disruptive run defender.

He will require some patience to get up and running at the NFL level. Blacklock made a lot of plus plays at TCU, but he also disappeared for long stretches due to his inconsistent technique. Learning to play with a lower pad level will be a particular challenge for him moving forward.

The Chiefs have the talent required to exercise that patience though. That’s why they can afford to take a relatively big swing on talent at the end of Round 1. They shouldn’t spend a first round pick on a guy who only has the ceiling to be a decent starter.

If everything goes right for Blacklock he can blossom into a fringe Pro Bowler at the defensive tackle position. His lack of pass rushing acumen will stop him from ever being elite, but he can be an above average starter for the Chiefs at a position of need. That will put him in the frame for selection at No. 32.

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