The Daily Blitz: Trey Smith

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Saturday, September 18, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Kansas City Chiefs rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 1.6 (2nd)
Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 2nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

Top rookie: G Trey Smith

Smith had a pass block win rate of 100%. His run block win rate of 68.8% was in the middle of the pack for starting guards, but still impressive enough for a sixth-round pick making his first NFL start. At the very least, Smith validated the Chiefs' decision to put him in the starting lineup. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

Patrick Mahomes is a football genius. How else can you explain that impossible downfield heave that resulted in Tyreek Hill's 75-yard touchdown in Sunday's comeback win over the Browns? Mahomes is a relentless force, and his greatness covered up for the sins of a defense that couldn't get the Cleveland attack off the field all day (the Browns punted once all game). Here's an all-time crazy stat: In his career in September, Mahomes is 11-0 with 35 touchdowns and zero interceptions. That's playing-Madden-on-"easy"-level dominance against the greatest football players in the world. We are all witnesses.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

Patrick Mahomes rallied the Chiefs against the Browns, but the defense has to be better. They got pushed around at times.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

The re-engineered offensive line generally held up well -- particularly given three players with zero NFL experience were debuting -- as did Kansas City's proclivity to fall into double-digit holes before dramatically climbing out of them.

The Athletic -- Rank: 1

Overreaction: Kansas City will be undefeated at home this season. The Week 1 game against the Browns was a reminder of why the Chiefs have so consistently been atop our rankings: It's just so damn hard to beat them. It takes a perfect storm like the Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay. On Sunday, the Browns played as perfect of a game as possible for three quarters, then we saw a familiar script: If it's at all close, trust Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter. -- Jones

Reality check: Giving up touchdowns to Cleveland on the first three drives set up some intrigue, but this is a Chiefs team that can just toy with quality opponents. The reality is they're just that good. -- Auman

Previous updates:

More Kansas City Chiefs pages:

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Kansas City Chiefs NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Kansas City Chiefs from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Kansas City Chiefs, check out our 2021 Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Chiefs:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

32. Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

Davis is going to give Creed Humphrey a run for his iOL1 money. By PFF grading, Davis was superior in every metric of the game last fall. A pulverizer in the run game who also didn't surrender so much as one quarterback hit in over 400 pass-pro reps in 2019, Davis will start immediately in 2021 for whichever team drafts him in April.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

31. Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

He's never been a starter and has played only 397 snaps in his career, so few players will be hurt more by the season cancellation than Oweh. He reportedly runs in the 4.3s at 257 pounds, but we simply haven't seen enough of him on a football field to know how that will look in the NFL.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

32. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Kansas City has spent money this offseason as if it were burning a hole in their pockets. Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Travis Kelce each got a new contract worth top dollar this offseason, which means the team is going to have to reassess the rest of the roster and look for potential outs and upgrades for cheap. Left tackle Eric Fisher is a possible cut candidate -- he's scheduled to take up more than $14M in 2021 salary cap as a modest starter. Replacing him with with Cosmi could carve out some major headway in navigating the challenges of the salary cap and provide the team with a more high-ceiling starter for Mahomes' blindside.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

32. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

What do you get the team that has everything? On the surface, the reigning Super Bowl Champions have very few needs in the 2021 NFL Draft. With several wide receivers set to hit the open market, they could add weapons for Patrick Mahomes, although it is more likely there seek options to protect him on the offensive line. Getting a deal done with Chris Jones was important, but the Chiefs could seek to add another pass rusher if they address the defensive side of the ball.

The Penn State offensive line was a mid-season contender for the Joe Moore Award in 2019, and left tackle Rasheed Walker was a huge part of that unit. Has added bulk to his 6'6'' frame since joining the Nittany Lions, and he uses that size combined with excellent hand usage to excel in pass protection.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

32. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

According to FPI's projected draft order, the Chiefs would waltz into the draft as back-to-back Super Bowl champions. But even so, they are going to want to finally do something at cornerback. Despite questions about the group, K.C. didn't select a corner in 2020 until the seventh round, and both projected 2020 starters -- Bashaud Breeland and Charvarius Ward -- will be free agents after the season (Ward is a restricted free agent). Before he decided to go back to Stanford for another year, I had Adebo ranked pretty high on the 2020 board. He is a ball hawk (eight interceptions over the past two seasons), and though his tape was a little inconsistent at times, he is smooth, long and instinctive in press zone. Defensive line and interior offensive line could also be directions to go for the Chiefs.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

32. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

After signing Patrick Mahomes to a half-billion-dollar contract, general manager Brett Veach decides to protect his long-term investment. There were durability issues with Smith coming into last season, but he quickly quieted a lot of those concerns with an impressive bounce-back season. The dream scenario for the Chiefs is to have newly signed Kelechi Osemele prove that he can show his pre-injury form and then be signed to an extension. But if that's not the case, the franchise should continue to build up the offensive line. Smith provides a lot of help on the interior for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

32. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

Come time for the 2021 NFL Draft, Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher will be 30 years old with one year left on his contract. He hasn't lived up to the title of "first overall pick" and is at best an average starting left tackle.

The Chiefs should make sure they invest in ways to protect their half-billion dollar quarterback, and Rasheed Walker is my favorite way to do so. Walker has an elite football IQ, excellent hands in pass protection, and he's a good functional athlete. Expect his stock to rise in the coming months.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

32. Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State

The Chiefs recently committed the largest contract in NFL history to Patrick Mahomes, so making sure his offensive line is fortified is critical for the Chiefs to protect its prized investment. Unfortunately, the interior offensive line is a bit shaky, and center Austin Reiter is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.

Myers has terrific size, mobility, power, and range that gives him a chance to become a quality starter at the next level. Mahomes deserves to have a long-term answer at center that he can rely on to handle protection calls.

Previous update: Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, check out our 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Steelers:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

Javon Hargrave left in free agency over the offseason and the Steelers don't have a long-term solution to replace him. Pittsburgh could shop local with Pittsburgh iDL Jaylen Twyman here, but the 6-foot-3, 346-pound Shelvin, who has 55 pounds on Twyman, feels like a better block-eating inside fit for Pittsburgh's scheme than the undersized Twyman.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

19. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

Smith has the type of road-grader mentality that has made the Steelers line one of the NFL's best over the past half-decade. He played four different positions along the line in an encouraging true freshman season before blood clots in his lungs robbed him of crucial developmental time. Smith was back and better than ever last year, though, and he didn't allow a sack all season.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

A run on defensive linemen isn't enough to deter the Steelers from locking in a monster of their own up front -- the Steelers lost Javon Hargrave in free agency this offseason and didn't nail down a suitable replacement. Shelvin is all that and then some; he's an absolute monster of a nose tackle and with Pittsburgh being out of the range for a top-tier quarterback prospect, there aren't a lot of other appealing options here who could actually help the Steelers win in the here and now.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

25. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL, but with multiple players set to hit free agency, including Alejandro Villaneuva, Matt Feiler, and Zach Banner, the 2021 NFL Draft might be the time to look to the future. Speaking of the future, how much longer will Ben Roethlisberger play? Defensive line and cornerback headline the defensive areas that could be addressed.

A potential early-round pick last year, Alex Leatherwood returned to Alabama to improve his stock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. Leatherwood utilizes strength and aggression in pass protection, but his strongest suit maybe his run blocking ability. The debate will be whether he best projects as a tackle or guard in the NFL. Either way, he will be a stellar addition to any offensive line.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

22. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

Pittsburgh could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, including edge rusher, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety or running back. Quarterback is not out of the question either. But zero starting offensive linemen are under contract beyond the 2021 season. Both tackles are actually hitting free agency after the 2020 season, though Smith is better projected at guard in the NFL. Smith is a plug-and-play starter who could be a long-term replacement at left guard for Stefen Wisniewski, with the versatility to move around, despite a bit of injury history to consider.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

21. Jaylen Twyman, IDL, Pittsburgh

Even though he was primarily a backup, the Steelers' interior defensive line depth took a hit with the loss of Javon Hargrave. In an attempt to restack the deck there, the team selects Twyman, who is a versatile and active piece that can play in multiple schemes. The Pitt defensive tackle will be presented with the opportunity to continue to play in his home stadium as he did in college. The former Second-Team All-American is best known for his disruption as a pass-rusher, but still has strides to make against the run--which is an area that he can develop further while in Pittsburgh.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

25. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

The Steelers defense this year was dominant, with a big reason being the emergence of Minkah Fitzpatrick as arguably the best safety in the NFL last season. Unfortunately, fellow 2018 first-round safety Terrell Edmunds has not taken the same leap in his play. If Edmunds continues to underperform, the Steelers may look to replace him with a more capable option.

Nasirildeen is a tweener who blurs the lane between safety and linebacker. His 6-foot-4 frame gives him the size to play the run and cover tight-ends, meanwhile he has the athletic ability to drop into coverage competently. A pairing of Minkah and Hamsah would be on of the top young safety duos in the NFL.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

The Steelers have enjoyed the contributions of Javon Hargrave on the defensive line and were unable to replace him last offseason. The return of Stephon Tuitt will be a major boost, but Pittsburgh's depth up front can be improved--in addition to moving on from Daniel McCullers.

Shelvin is a monster. He is 360 pounds with a stout anchor that completely owns the line of scrimmage and has more mobility than your typical man of his stature. He can easily defend multiple gaps against the run and provide push up the middle on passing downs. Shelvin competes with a motor that is always cranked.

Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Monday, August 24, 2020

San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the San Francisco 49ers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the San Francisco 49ers, check out our 2021 San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the 49ers:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

31. Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh

The 49ers have needs at corner -- with Richard Sherman nearing retirement, Emmanuel Moseley set to be an exclusive rights free agent, and Ahkello Witherspoon remaining inconsistent -- and safety. They'll wait on corner for now and pop Ford, a former corner-turned-safety who plays with a gladiator ethos. Ford will improve coverage and bring plenty of energy.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

29. Walker Little, OT, Stanford

If he doesn't get to play any more football, we'll have seen all of 72 snaps from Little since 2018. He's a big, mobile left tackle, though, and that would fit perfectly into Kyle Shanahan's scheme if they can't re-sign Trent Williams. If he could have stayed healthy all of 2019, there's a chance he would have been in the conversation for the first tackle off the board last year.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

29. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

The 49ers let starting guard Mike Person go this offseason and he promptly retired this summer. The 49ers are currently scheduled to have Daniel Brunskill and free agent addition Tom Compton compete to take his place. Instead of sticking with that blueprint long-term, why not go nail down a warhammer in the run game in Trey Smith? The 49ers are super physical but also graceful up front; Smith moves well enough for a big man that the Vols tried him at left tackle for a while. If the medicals clear, this is a match made in heaven next to Mike McGlinchey at right tackle.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

31. Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

Three out of the four starters in the San Francisco 49ers secondary are out of contract at the end of this season. With Richard Sherman set to turn 33 before the 2021 NFL Draft, it is reasonable to expect cornerback and safety to be high on the 49ers shopping list. Kyle Shanahan's propensity to use multiple running backs suggests that the 49ers may add another offensive weapon in the ground game.

In 2019, Israel Mukuamu kept a first-round NFL Draft wide receiver locked down and intercepted a quarterback who is on an NFL roster three times in one game. He might not be the quickest cornerback in this 2021 NFL Draft class, but at 6'3'', he's certainly one of the tallest, and he combines fantastic length with football intelligence and ball skills to be a potential first-round pick.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

29. Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh loves length at cornerback for his physical single-high scheme, and Mukuamu is a 6-foot-4 press corner with arm length for days. His ball production was outstanding in 2019 with nine passes broken up and four picks, though he is still developing his recognition skills. Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon lead a pack of seven cornerbacks on this San Francisco roster playing on the last year of their deals this season (five of whom will be unrestricted free agents). Mukuamu has the football sense to pick up the scheme quickly and make a big impact in his first pro season.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

29. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

Edge rusher is arguably a need with Dee Ford 's contract containing an opt out following the 2020 season, but the other obvious one is at corner. Although playing well, Richard Sherman is another year older, Ahkello Witherspoon remains inconsistent, and Emmanuel Moseley has shown flashes that warrant him being the permanent No. 2 corner, but he's scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent following the season.

Trying their luck with another Stanford corner, Adebo displayed many traits to make him an attractive option in the early rounds in 2019, but the Week 3 game against UCF and Gabriel Davis happened, which plummeted his draft stock. Electing to return for his final season, he has a prime opportunity to rebound into being the first-round corner that some saw him being prior to the matchup against the Golden Knights.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

31. Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

Mukuamu is built in the same mold as current 49er Richard Sherman. Long arms, great ball skills, aggressive cornerbacks who struggle to stop and start and travel horizontally as opposed to vertically. Mukuamu has very impressive physical tools, and lining up across from Sherman would be reminiscent of Seattle's shut down secondary. When you're as good as San Francisco, you have the liberty to select a player that is this scheme specific.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

29. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

Richard Sherman will be 33 at season's end, Akhello Witherspoon hasn't materialized, and Jason Verrett simply isn't reliable considering he's played in just six games since 2016 (yet the 49ers brought him back for the 2020 season). Emmanuel Mosely showed great potential last season, but San Francisco needs more at corner.

Adebo is a physical corner that thrives in zone and press coverage, making him an ideal fit for the 49ers' scheme, where help is needed.

Previous update: San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

The Daily Blitz

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Saturday, September 18, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Kansas City Chiefs NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Monday, August 24, 2020

San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

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