The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have numerous selections to make this offseason. There’s a state of affairs the place the outcomes of free company result in protection being the precedence within the 2025 NFL Draft.
This previous weekend, the Chiefs and the NFL group have been locked in at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. From Thursday to Sunday, prospects have been drilled and examined to offer a extra clear image of this 12 months’s class.
The Chiefs could possibly be eyeing all positions for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Listed below are 4 defensive prospects that stood out from the weekend:
Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
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Linebacker Jihaad Campbell entered the draft course of as one of the crucial intriguing gamers at his place. On the Scouting Mix, Campbell measured 6 ft 3 inches tall and 235 kilos. His arm size was measured at 32 1⁄2 inches, and his hand dimension was 10 1⁄2 inches.
Proving he has the construct of a contemporary linebacker, Campbell added spectacular athletic testing: he ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.52 seconds, tied for the third-fastest time of any linebacker. His 10-yard cut up (1.53 seconds) was additionally the third-fastest mark in his place group.
Campbell dedicated to Alabama as a five-star edge rusher within the 2022 class, then transitioned to play off-ball linebacker by his sophomore 12 months. In two years as a starter inside, Campbell produced 184 whole tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pressured fumbles, two interceptions and 5 passes defended.
He’s fast to the ball, aggressive in opposition to blocks, and athletic in area. If the Chiefs don’t re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton, Campbell could possibly be an elite choice to play within the first spherical.
Edge rusher Landon Jackson, Arkansas
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The Chiefs will at all times have a watch on the lengthy, space-eating edge defenders in a draft class. On the Scouting Mix, edge rusher Landon Jackson measured 6 ft 6 inches tall and 264 kilos. His arm size was measured at 33 1⁄4 inches, and his hand dimension was 10 inches.
The 4.68-second consequence on the 40-yard sprint was spectacular to see with that limbering profile, however his explosive testing stole the present. He topped all defensive linemen and linebackers by hitting 40.5 inches on the vertical leap. He completed second amongst edge defenders in broad soar (10 ft 9 inches).
Jackson matches nicely within the Chiefs’ protection on the defensive finish place. He would grow to be a extra intriguing choice if the workforce elects to not re-sign veteran Charles Omenihu.
Defensive deal with Ty Robinson, Nebraska
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The previous Nebraska Cornhusker shouldn’t be among the many prime names within the class, however defensive deal with Ty Robinson put his identify on the market in Indianapolis. On the Scouting Mix, Robinson measured in simply over 6 ft 5 inches tall, weighing 288 kilos. His arm size got here in at 32 1⁄4 inches, and his hand dimension was 10 inches.
Amongst defensive tackles, Robinson completed with the quickest 40-yard sprint time (4.83 seconds). He additionally had the third-fastest 10-yard cut up (1.71 seconds) amongst his place group. Moreover, Robinson completed fourth in vertical leap (33.5 inches), second in broad soar (9 ft 11 inches), third within the three-cone drill (7.58 seconds), and tied for second in bench-press reps (28).
Over six seasons at Nebraska, Robinson gathered solely 12 sacks. Nonetheless, he was lively in all sides of protection within the 2024 season. Simply final 12 months, Robinson earned seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, and one pressured fumble.
Robinson has the profile of a flexible defensive deal with, and the Chiefs want our bodies on the inside. This could possibly be a robust match on draft weekend.
Linebacker Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
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The three-year starter from Oklahoma offers another choice for the Chiefs’ future at center linebacker. On the Scouting Mix, linebacker Danny Stutsman measured over 6 ft 3 inches tall and 233 kilos. His arm size was marked at 32 1/8 inches, and his hand dimension was 9 inches.
Stutsman tied Campbell for the third-fastest 40-yard sprint time (4.52 seconds), exhibiting off spectacular linear pace for such a bodily centered participant. Over 4 seasons, Stutsman racked 376 whole tackles, 37 tackles for loss, eight sacks and compelled 4 fumbles.
He additionally intercepted three passes and broke up eight different throws. Stutsman’s all-around capacity was backed up by his athletic testing, making him an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs to contemplate.