2014 NFL Draft Grades: Grading the AFC West Round One picks

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is tackled by Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs: Dee Ford (DE, Auburn) 

Many Chiefs fans did not like this move, which was surprising considering Ford’s considerable hype following Auburn’s dream season and a Senior Bowl performance where Ford looked like the best defensive player on the field during the game after a strong week of practice.

Those Chiefs fans with concerns are also right as Ford could be a potential “one hit wonder” however Ford did have 6.5 sacks as a junior before breaking out with his well documented 14.5 sacks in 2014 which shows a gradual progression that the Kansas City front office will be hoping leads into the NFL where Ford will not be able to rely on his speed around the end as he did while playing with the War Eagle.

Despite Ford’s concerns I like this pick for Kansas City. After all, he dominated in the toughest conference in the SEC that recruits the best tackles in the country each year which gave him elite competition that makes his breakout season much easier to trust. Throw in that God Mode performance in the Senior Bowl and there is no harm in Kansas City taking a shot on a guy like Ford with a pick outside of the 20’s. It may never pan out, but if it does the Chiefs will have a stud pass rusher should he even find 60% of the form he showed during Auburn’s 2013 season.

Grade: B-