In the realm of NFL scouting, where hours are spent poring over game footage and analyzing every move a player makes, certain prospects stand out not just for their stats but for the sheer joy they bring to the observer. This is the story of Price's Picks, a tradition where I, the intrepid analyst, scour the draft landscape to uncover the 10 players who have captured my imagination. This year, amidst the sea of scouting reports and the endless hours of tape watching, these are the 10 players who have made me chuckle, smile, and even dream of what they could bring to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lee Hunter, the Fridge
In the world of defensive tackles, Lee Hunter, nicknamed 'the Fridge', is a force to be reckoned with. His performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff game was nothing short of spectacular, wrecking their offense in the first half. While he may not be the most physically gifted, his country-strong build and relentless effort make him a standout. Hunter's 10.6 pass rush win rate ranks second in the class, and his interviews at the combine further solidified his class-act persona. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can anchor the Chiefs' defense, much like DJ Reader, and provide a much-needed presence against the run and in the passing game.
Emmett Johnson, the Husker
Emmett Johnson, a running back from Nebraska, is a player who defies stereotypes. With over 150 scrimmage yards per game, he's one of the most productive backs in the class, and his passing-game work is equally impressive. Despite an average combine performance, Johnson's shifty cuts, vision, and tackle-breaking abilities make him a dangerous weapon. He's the kind of player who can be a part-time back but also step up and take a starting job. In my view, he's the modern-day Travis Etienne, a player who can contribute both in the running game and in the passing game.
Gabe Jacas, the Edge Rusher
Gabe Jacas, an edge rusher from Illinois, is a player who embodies the Chiefs' need for a quick and twitchy pass rusher. Despite being 6-3 and 260 lbs, he played edge in a 3-4 defense and dominated against the run. His two-time state championship wrestling background and his ability to use his hands effectively make him a force to be reckoned with. Jacas' motor never stops, and his teammates describe him as a workaholic. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can bring an 'eff you' energy to the edge position, much like Tuli Tuipulotu, and provide the Chiefs with the kind of pass rush they've craved.
Makai Lemon, the Pocket-Sized Puka
Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC, is a player who defies expectations. Despite his lack of size and top speed, he's a polished route runner who catches everything that comes his way. He seemingly always gets the extra yardage needed after the catch and is highly competitive as a blocker. Lemon is the kind of player who can be the Chiefs' instant Rashee Rice insurance and replacement, much like Amon-Ra St. Brown. In my opinion, he's a player who can thrive in the West Coast offense and provide the Chiefs with a much-needed deep threat.
Keionte Scott, the Heat-Seeking Missile
Keionte Scott, a cornerback from Miami, is a player who pops on the game broadcast before you even turn on the tape. His performance in the College Football Playoff game was nothing short of spectacular, with 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes defended. Scott is a heat-seeking missile in the run game and crashes downhill in the flats on swings and screens. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can be a nickel or box safety, and his high-level play will make him a favorite of Steve Spagnuolo, much like Alontae Taylor.
Eli Raridon, the Classic Y-TE
Eli Raridon, a tight end from Notre Dame, is a player who embodies the classic Y-TE. At 6-7 and 250 lbs, he's a real tight end who is asked to do a lot in the run game but has special tools too. His 9.45 relative athletic score and his ability to move differently from most tight ends in the class make him a standout. Raridon is the kind of player who can be the Chiefs' best blocker today and has traits to be a plus receiver, much like Theo Johnson. In my opinion, he's a player who can provide the Chiefs with the kind of tight end presence they've craved.
Rueben Bain Jr., the Instant-Impact Player
Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher from Miami, is a player who embodies the dream. His ability to move all across the formation while playing 90% of the snaps for a Miami defense that powered them to the national championship is huge. Bain's power, first step, and pass rush moves make him an instant-impact player who is an instant fit for the Chiefs' defense, much like Brandon Graham. In my opinion, he's a player who can provide the Chiefs with the kind of pass rush they've craved, despite his short arms.
Bryce Lance, the Natural Hands-Catcher
Bryce Lance, a wide receiver from North Dakota State, is a player who embodies the size and explosiveness the Chiefs are looking for. He's a natural hands-catcher who requires route polish but adjusts well to the ball with physicality and body control as a natural X receiver. Lance also has the long speed to take a jet sweep to the house. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can be the Chiefs' next Christian Watson, a player who can contribute both in the running game and in the passing game.
Blake Miller, the Natural and Experienced Right Tackle
Blake Miller, an offensive tackle from Clemson, is a player who embodies the natural and experienced right tackle. With 54 career starts in college and voted team captain, he's praised for his leadership and toughness. Miller has really smooth and quick feet and is best in pass protection, a high-level fit for the Chiefs' offense. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can be the Chiefs' next Roger Rosengarten, a player who can provide the kind of stability and consistency the team has craved at right tackle.
Colton Hood, the Physical Press Corner
Colton Hood, a cornerback from Tennessee, is a player who embodies the long, physical press corner that tackles. He really took over the top CB role when Jermod McCoy went down and shined with that opportunity. Hood's impressive long speed and his ability to bring the fight to receivers make him a standout. In my opinion, he's the kind of player who can be the Chiefs' next Kamari Lassiter, a player who can provide the kind of physicality and press coverage the team has craved.
