Chiefs Select TCU Standout in Third Round of NFL Draft

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is getting some more protection next year. With their third round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft (96th overall), the Kansas City Chiefs selected Texas Christian offensive tackle Lucas Niang.

The 21-year-old is emerging from a successful sophomore campaign in which he earned the starting right tackle position for the final eight games of the 2017 season, and a true freshman season in 2016 when he played in 12 of 13 contests. The six-foot-six, 315-pound standout didn’t allow a sack in seven games last season, and didn’t allow a sack when he started all 13 games in the 2018 season.

Unfortunately, Niang’s impressive undergraduate career abruptly ended after he suffered a hip sprain that sidelined him for the final five games of his senior year. Before that injury, he had been the most consistent lineman on the squad from the right tackle position. With enough improvement and mentorship from his new teammates, Niang is poised to take over for one of Kansas City’s tackle positions in the future.

A New Canaan, Connecticut native, Niang was a 3-star recruit and the No. 74 offensive tackle in the 2016 class, per 247Sports. Niang, who won three straight state championships in high school, also received offers from Miami and Auburn before ultimately committing to the Horned Frogs.

With a rehabbed hip and a new team, Niang is more than ready to get back on the field when the NFL returns this fall.

Chiefs Added Some Depth to Defense With Second Round Pick

With their second round pick in the draft, the Chiefs selected Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay Jr at No. 63.

In his two years in Starkville, Gay tallied 76 tackles and 9 tackles-for-loss. Gay had 28 tackles, a sack and an interception last season for the SEC powerhouse. During the NFL Combine, he registered a 4.46 40-yard dash.

The 22-year-old is already feeling the love from his new teammates. Safety Tyrann Mathieu was one of the first to shout his praises on Twitter.

Despite a complicated past, Gay has all the makings for a comeback rookie campaign. The Chiefs might just be the organization that can help him accomplish that and so much more.

2 Picks Left for Chiefs

Just like that, the Chiefs are down to just two picks in this year’s draft:

• Round 4: Pick 138
• Round 5: Pick 177

If you’ve been joining the virtual Chiefs draft party, this weekend’s guests will be nothing short of entertainment. Celebrity comedian Rob Riggle and “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet will be joining the festivities on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Tune in for rounds four through seven of the NFL Draft Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m. EST.

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