Raising Zona
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2016 NFL Mock Draft: February edition

By Johnathan Henson

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts after sacking Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts after sacking Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

28th Pick – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
Shaq Lawson – DE
Clemson – Redshirt Junior
6-3, 270 Pounds

The off-season is obviously about to see key free agents leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chiefs are still in good position. The key defensive player the Chiefs have been able to keep this past off-season was Justin Houston, and I think the Chiefs could really use a guy on the defensive line to help them continue to get pressure on the quarterback. Tamba Hali (the guy who I think is going to end up with a renewed contract) is one of those guys who releases the pressure for Justin Houston, and hard to see him in another jersey. Not that it wouldn’t be harder to Derrick Johnson in another jersey, but considering his age (33), he is obviously not going to be dubbed a keep, unless the price tag is cheap.

There is a reason why the Clemson defense showed so much power and stability, and I can’t imagine what the team defense is going to look like with such contributors (Shaq Lawson, Mackensie Alexander, T.J. Green, and Kevin Dodd). The selection of Shaq Lawson is nothing short of excellent because of value for where he is being selected. Trust me, if Shaq Lawson is anywhere near the 23rd selection, because of his value, someone is going to trade up for him. Lawson has great lateral movement, pushes the pocket very well, and displays a great motor. He is a bit of a tweener, with the Chiefs playing a 3-4, there is a chance he plays stand-up linebacker. If not, he takes over for Mike DeVito.

The Chiefs are in dire need of an offensive weapon, especially with the main targets being Albert Wilson and Jeremy Maclin. They did exceptionally well, but I would love to see the Chiefs get a nice weapon to go along with what Alex Smith is good at doing (create for himself). I don’t think the Chiefs have a bad defense right now, but I do think that they can’t keep their feet on the gas pedal if they want to de-throne the Patriots and Broncos.

Player Comparison: Olivier Vernon – Miami Dolphins

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