How do the best get better? That’s the question facing the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at this week’s draft.
The NFL’s desire for competitive balance means that the Chiefs will have the 32nd and final pick in the first round, but despite winning a second straight Lombardi Trophy earlier this year, the team have a number of needs to address.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the Chiefs draft this week.
Kansas City Chiefs draft picks
- No. 32 overall (first round)
- No. 64 overall (second round)
- No. 95 overall (third round)
- No. 131 overall (fourth round)
- No. 159 overall (fifth round) (via Dallas)
- No. 173 overall (fifth round)
- No. 221 overall (seventh round) (from Tennessee, via Carolina)
Key Needs
While the Chiefs’ big hitters on offense delivered when it mattered, that particular unit failed to click for long stretches of the season. A wide receiver should therefore be high on their list of priorities, with Andy Reid and company knowing that their main pass-catching threat Travis Kelce turns 35 next season.
Left tackle is needed, with Donovan Smith remaining a free agent after his contract expired. On the other side of the ball, more depth at defensive end would be a smart way to go.
Predictions
It’s always tricky to try and predict what the team picking last will do, but if wide receivers of the calibre of Ladd McConkey or Adonai Mitchell are still there at the back of the first round, he would be a wise pick.
With the leading offensive tackles off the board by the time the Chiefs pick again, there is likely to be more value in nabbing a pass rusher in the second round, so the likes of Austin Booker or Brandon Dorlus could be an option.
The Chiefs will be keeping an eye on offensive tackles and should look to land someone like Kiran Amegadjie or Matt Goncalves at the end of day two.
If they can tick off their key priorities before day three, then that would give them the chance to look at the best players available in the final rounds, so expect more help on defense (especially at cornerback) and perhaps a new tight end to prepare for life after Kelce - whenever that should come.
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