The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason has been headlined by the need to fortify the offensive line.
Patrick Mahomes was sacked a career-high 36 times in the regular season, along with another 11 in three playoff games. So it is natural that the attention goes there.
But defensively, there needs to be more of a pass rush threat, as the Chiefs ranked 19th in sacks last season (39.0). Yes, Steve Spagnuolo has Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, but perhaps another young stud is needed.
And for NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, in his latest mock draft, the Chiefs take Oregon’s Derrick Harmon in the first round.
“Finding Chris Jones a disruptive playmate would keep the Chiefs’ defense operating at a high level,” Brooks writes. “Harmon’s athleticism and instincts could help him flourish in Steve Spagnuolo’s ultra-aggressive scheme.”
Coming off a career-best season with Oregon, totaling 5.0 sacks and 11 tackles for loss with the Ducks, he could bring some juice to the Chiefs’ pass rush.
Of course, offensive line is still an issue for some, but in Harmon, the Chiefs would get a good run stopper who can give some much-needed help to the defensive line.
While the offensive line is a clear need still for some, so too is the defensive line and Jones can’t play forever.
Adding some toughness to Spagnuolo’s defense, Harmon could be a solid pick fo rthe Chiefs as they look to maintain their defensive dominance, while the offense figures things out.
An offensive lineman still feels like the move for Kansas City, but Harmon looms as a solid prospect capable of fitting in straight away.