Mock draft projects Chiefs landing intriguing L’Jarius Sneed replacement

Amidst the flurry of mock drafts, the Kansas City Chiefs stand poised to seize the cream of the crop in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unlike certain teams tethered to positional needs, such as the Bills, Kansas City holds the enviable position of targeting the most promising talent available, unfettered by positional constraints.

In the recent ESPN mock draft orchestrated by Field Yates, the Chiefs fortified their ranks with the selection of Missouri Tigers’ cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., effectively filling the shoes left by L’Jarius Sneed.

“Rakestraw is a tailor-made fit for this roster, as he plays with an edge, similar to Sneed. Few corners can impose their will on a game like Rakestraw did at the collegiate level; that will travel to the pros.”

Hailing from Texas, this robust corner prospect promises to complement All-Pro Trent McDuffie, bestowing upon Kansas City a formidable duo in the secondary.

While the allure of bolstering the offensive line or wide receiver corps may beckon, opting for Rakestraw ensures the perpetuation of the Chiefs’ defensive prowess, firmly ensconcing them amongst the league’s elite.

Rakestraw’s prowess in man coverage seamlessly aligns with the schematic inclinations of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Moreover, when flanked by burgeoning talents like McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson, Rakestraw’s acquisition augurs well for maintaining defensive excellence, affording General Manager Veach the liberty to pivot towards offensive targets in subsequent draft rounds.

Standing at a modest 5’11” and weighing 183 pounds, Rakestraw’s stature may raise some eyebrows, compounded by occasional struggles in zone coverage. However, his indomitable spirit coupled with the prospect of developmental strides suggests that such limitations can be surmounted.

In essence, the addition of Rakestraw promises seamless integration and augurs well for the Chiefs’ future defensive endeavors, underscoring a prudent choice should Veach opt to seize this opportunity. Losing L’Jarius Sneed was a tough blow for Kansas City, but they could take a big step towards replacing him with this move.