NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Giants, Patriots trade up; Redskins land defensive help

The Chiefs did well to land Kendall Fuller as a part of the Alex Smith trade. He has helped to solidify at least one cornerback position.

However, after losing Steven Nelson in free agency, the Chiefs only added another former Redskin, Bashaud Breeland, to take his place. They already needed a corner even when Nelson was on the team, so they will look for a third player to pair with Breeland and Fuller.

Byron Murphy could fit the bill with the 29th pick. Murphy is a smaller cornerback at 5-11, but he is an excellent athlete and has phenomenal ball skills. He had six interceptions and 20 pass breakups in his two seasons at Washington and on tape, he showed fluidity and solid coverage skills. It’s possible that he could be the best corner to come out of this class (though that’s not saying a lot, given that the corner class is weak).

Murphy could slot in as a slot man for the Chiefs, pushing Fuller to the outside, or he could start outside with Fuller on the inside (though his profile suggests he would fit better in the slot). However Kansas City decides to use him, he would be an upgrade for the team. And considering that Andy Reid had a successful run with another former Washington Husky (Marcus Peters) at corner, he could be willing to ignore the trenches and draft a player to help his secondary.

If the Chiefs want to add talent to their defensive line, they could consider either Dre’Mont Jones or Zach Allen with this pick. But if Murphy is on the board, it may be too hard to pass on him given the upgrade he would be for the secondary.