KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs chose Alabama’s Nico Johnson with the second selection in the fourth round of the NFL draft, grabbing a future partner for inside linebacker Derrick Johnson.
The Eagles traded up three spots to the first pick in the fourth round, and chose Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley. That led to speculation that the Philadelphia brass thought the Chiefs might be interested in Barkley with the No. 99 overall pick.
The Chiefs wound up picking Johnson, filling a need at linebacker by choosing a natural fit for the 3-4 defense Kansas City intends to keep under new coordinator Bob Sutton.
Johnson is the first defensive player chosen by the Chiefs. They’d already drafted offensive tackle Eric Fisher, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Knile Davis.
