Whitney Mercilus is one of the more perplexing players garnering first round consideration in the upcoming NFL Draft. Unfortunately, every draft class has at least a few players who fit Mercilus' profile. The Illinois pass rusher has plenty of promise and led the nation with 9 forced fumbles in 2011. However, as only a one year starter, it's hard to tell just how good he will continue to be at the next level.
Every year these players emerge with promise and either fail to deliver as one year college wonders or they become a Jason Pierre Paul type that showcase the same skills at the next level as they continue to develop. Mercilus can go either way in the draft, but the fit might work well for the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Sporting News' Russ Lande.
Lande writes, "Mercilus will be one of the first defensive end/outside linebackers drafted. The Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals will consider drafting him in the top 15 given their need for pass rush help. If neither team considers him, the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos will have an interest in Mercilus as an end in their 4-3 schemes."
The Chiefs have Justin Houston and Tamba Hali on the outside, but another pass rusher to sub in and rotate would help in terms of depth and productivity.
For more on the Kansas City Chiefs offseason plans and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.