After taking RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the No. 32 overall and final pick in the first round, the Chiefs owned the No. 63 and 96 picks on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Round 2 (No. 63) Selection: Willie Gay Jr.- Linebacker
With the No. 63 pick in the NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected LB Willie Gay Jr. out of Mississippi State. Gay measures in at 6’1′ and 243 pounds. At the combine, he ran a 4.46 40 -yard dash, which was the second-fastest among LBs. According to Pro Football Focus, Gay has the highest career coverage grade among all LBs in the draft and has an overall 93.9 coverage grade since 2017, which ranks first in the draft class. He also possesses extreme athleticism and instincts that will translate well. According to Andy Reid, Gay was their guy at No. 63 and was holding his breath that he was still available at the end of the second round. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller graded the Chiefs pick of Gay as a B.
The reaction from the Arrowhead Live staff is a consensus that everyone loves the pick. Gay is a guy that will immediately compete for a starting spot and it gives the Chiefs an athletic LB to pair alongside Anthony Hitchens. This is a steal for the Kansas City Chiefs. Gay has had some trouble off the field with academics and a fight involving a teammate. Reid and the team, especially players like Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu, will help him to adjust and control him in case anything happens. The Chiefs have given players a second chance multiple times and it has paved success for the team, e.g. Tyreek Hill. Gay is going to be a huge addition for the Chiefs.
Round 3 (No. 96) Selection: Lucas Niang- Offensive Tackle
With the No. 96 pick in the NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected OT Lucas Niang out of TCU. Niang measures in at 6’7′ and 328 pounds. The Chiefs have asked if he is willing to play the guard position, and he is willing to play wherever the team want him. Since 2017, Niang played 975 pass-blocking snaps and surrendered zero sacks. Niang has had good showings against top draft picks such as Chase Young and Nick Bosa in 2018. Niang does a good job of using his length and hands to block defenders.
The consensus with the Arrowhead Live staff is that they like the pick. Niang is a guy who can come in and play guard right away and then transition out to the tackle position. He possesses size and ability that can translate well to the NFL. Matt Miller graded the No. 96 pick as an A+ and can be a future starter on the offensive line.
For day 3 of the Draft, the Chiefs own the no. 138 and 177 picks in the fourth and fifth rounds. The Chiefs have one main need remaining at CB and could look to trade up to add one in the fourth round.
