In our continuing preview of the NFL Draft, finding an edge rusher is pivotal for the success of the Kansas City defense next season. The Chiefs have already cut Mike Danna, and the jury is out on last year’s draft pick, Ashton Gillotte. With three picks in the Top 40, rest assured, Brett Veach will use one of those picks on a pass rusher!
Keldric Faulk (Auburn)
He is a 6’6”, 285-pound defensive end who spent three years at Auburn. This year, he had 23 solo tackles and 2 sacks. In his entire career, he had 110 total tackles, 74 solo tackles, 36 assisted tackles, 6 passes defended, and 10 sacks, along with 1 forced fumble, all in 3 seasons. His numbers at the combine were a 35” vertical jump and a 9’9” broad jump. What I saw from the combine and throughout the three years at Auburn shows that he is a leader, accountable, and of good character.
His strengths include being 20 years old (he won’t turn 21 until September) and having a veteran-level skill set. He does a good job hounding scrambling quarterbacks and can line up at any spot in odd or even fronts. His weakness is that he needs to be more violent with his hands to dislodge the punch. I noticed he likes to shoot the pocket too fast instead of working it. I would expect him to go late in the first round or early in the second round.
David Bailey (Texas Tech)
He is a 6’4”, 251-pound defensive end who spent his four years at Stanford and Texas Tech. This season, he recorded 32 solo tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. In his career, he totaled 163 tackles, including 106 solo, 57 assisted, 3 passes defended, 29 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles.
His 40-yard dash was 4.5 seconds, with a 35” vertical jump and a 10’9” broad jump. Watching his film, he shows dominance over offensive linemen and stays in front of them. He brings blending and fluidity to bend. His weaknesses include being run toward due to his anchor and take-on presence, and his screen recognition is average. He would be expected to go as an early or mid-first-round pick.
Zion Young (Missouri)
He is a 6’5”, 262-pound defensive end who spent his four years at Michigan State and Missouri. This year, he had 20 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. In his career, he has 130 total tackles, 50 solo tackles, 80 assists, 5 passes defended, 11.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Watching the film, he transfers power from his hips to the point of attack with his hands and goes well against double teams. He is a good leader who brings energy to the field and the locker room. He has the power to bull rush or set the edge. His weakness could be quicker hands at the get-off point. His quick burst and top-end speed are average. I would expect him to go in the second round or early third round.
Reuben Bain Jr (Miami)
He is a 6’3”, 263-pound defensive end who spent his entire career at Miami. He had 30 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. He ended his career with 121 total tackles, 67 solo tackles, 54 assisted tackles, 2 pass deflections, 20.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. One of his weaknesses is short arms, measuring 30 ⅞”, so if he doesn’t get the first punch at the line, he can get smothered.
Another issue is that when the action doesn’t come his way, he will take some plays out, making his effort iffy at times. He has the power of a defensive tackle and the quickness of a defensive end. His explosive power and toughness should translate to the NFL. He was coached by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. I would expect him to go early in the first round, and mid-first would be a good fit for Kansas City.
