We've spent the past few months rounding up mock drafts for the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, within 20 days of the big day, we're taking a look at players who could wind up playing *against *the Chiefs.
Yes—the players who some of the most well-known analysts in the game feel could go to the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers – Pick No. 7
The Chargers finished with the division's worst record at 5-11 in 2016, and because of it, they have a top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Of the nine analysts in this mock draft roundup, eight have the Chargers selecting a safety, and seven have them selecting the same safety—Ohio State's Malik Hooker.
This is how NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein describes Hooker:
"He's the ultimate lurker. His instincts are always bringing him to the football and when he gets there he has the ball skills to take it away. His lack of game experience and issues with tackle consistency will likely show themselves early in his career, but his ability to flip the field is worthy of an aggressive projection. He has the talent to be a high-impact starter for years in the NFL."
Zierlein compares Hooker to the Raiders' Reggie Nelson, so another player like Nelson could be heading to another team in the division.
The only analysts in our "Know Your Rival" mock that have the Chargers selecting a non-safety is ESPN's Todd McShay, who sees Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson headed to Los Angeles.
Check out the full Chargers mock roundup:
Denver Broncos – Pick No. 20
Last year, the Chiefs saw firsthand the problems that the Denver Broncos had at the tackle position, particularly in their Week 12 Sunday Night Football game.
Early on in the eventual 30-27 overtime win for Kansas City, linebacker Justin Houston racked up three sacks, three quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a safety against right tackle Ty Sambrailo, and the Broncos replaced him with former Chief Donald Stephenson.
This year's draft analysts seem to agree with their need for greater depth at tackle. All nine analysts currently mock an offensive tackle to the Broncos, with the most popular name being Utah's Garett Bolles.
Here is what CBS senior draft analyst Rob Rang wrote about Bolles:
"On paper, the signings of former Raiders right tackle Menelik Watson and Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary make up for the decision to let starting left tackle Russell Okung walk in free agency but reality could prove different. Bolles is a work in progress after only starting one year at Utah and comes with some character red flags. He has the highest upside of any lineman in this class, however, boasting the light feet and competitive nature to project as a future standout left tackle."
Check out the full Broncos mock roundup:
Oakland Raiders – Pick No. 24
With the Raiders being in a similar position to the Chiefs—picking in the 20s—it makes it that much harder to predict.
The nine analysts in this mock roundup further demonstrated that point with the variety of directions they have the Raiders going in the first round. Positions range from running back to offensive tackle to the defensive front seven and secondary.
The most common name (three analysts) on the list for the Raiders is Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis.
In his latest mock draft, NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Davis “one of the cleanest players in the draft.”
Here are some of Zierlein’s notes:
"Praised for both his football and personal character, Davis has athletic gifts to go along with the character traits teams are looking for. His ability to cover ground, operate with loose hips in space, and finish his tackles make him a draft favorite for some teams. While it is easy to fall in love with the traits and potential, Will have to take better routes to the ball and learn to keep himself clean against blocks. Should be able to compete for an early starting job as a 4-3 outside backer."
Check out the full Raiders mock roundup:
