The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense took a significant step forward with the stellar play from veterans and young players. A breakout star was second-year LB Nick Bolton, who finished the season among the league’s leading tacklers.
Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire played just a short distance from the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, getting a close view of the success his former Mizzou teammate had at the pro level. McGuire was named First-Team All-SEC last season, showing flashes of dominance against the toughest division in college football.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with McGuire about his thoughts on possibly being drafted by the Chiefs and which NFL players influenced his game.
“I’m saying that’s about two hours towards the left for me, being at work going to school at Columbia, man,” said McGuire. “So, that’d be an honor, out there. And Nick Bolton, like said, they’ve built a great organization.”
#Mizzou DL Isaiah McGuire says it would be an honor if he were to be drafted by the #Chiefs. Praised the franchise culture #NFLCombine | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/QMQo4eTiyr
— Ed Easton Jr. (@EdEastonJr) March 1, 2023
Bolton was the Chiefs’ second-round selection in 2021 and has quickly become a leader on the team. A Missouri star as well, McGuire has aspirations to make a similar impact once he enters the NFL next month. He even has some NFL stars whom he hopes to model his game after.
“So I’d say a mixture between Cam Jordan and Matthew Judon,” said McGuire. “When it comes to the running game like, say, want to be the best technician like Cam Jordan and Matthew Judon, for sure. The way they can minimalize from around the defense, you know, even being a stand-up for sure, definitely something I offer as a player.”
McGuire raised the bar high regarding what he can be as a defender in the league, but the confidence is an intriguing sight for potential teams. The Chiefs made a splash with Bolton a few years ago, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they dipped back into those waters on draft night.
