The Kansas City Chiefs made some moves in the 2017 NFL draft. Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey made headlines early when he decided to trade up from the 27th pick to the 10th pick and draft former Texas Tech Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. It was the first quarterback drafted in the first round by the Chiefs since 1983. The Chiefs will still go with Alex Smith as the starter at the beginning of next season, but Mahomes will be able to get his career started on the right track under the guidance of Andy Reid. With Smith turning 33 later this month, Mahomes may get his opportunity to start in Kansas City in the near future. Mahomes is exactly the type of quarterback the Chiefs need. He is the complete opposite of Alex Smith. Smith has been able to find ways to win games for both the Chiefs and 49ers during his career, but has always struggled to take shots downfield, and win games in the postseason. If Mahomes get his chance soon, he is surrounded with weapons on offense. Not to mention, Mahomes may have the strongest arm in the draft. He can throw a football over 70+ yards with accuracy.
In the second round, the Chiefs filled another need by drafting Defensive End Tanoh Kpassagnon out of Villanova. The Chiefs defensive line suffered major losses this off-season after losing Defensive Tackle Dontari Poe to the Atlanta Falcons during free agency and releasing Jaye Howard. Kpassagnon was a gamble in the draft. An extremely skilled pass rusher off the edge, but he spent most of his time against FCS opponents while playing at Villanova. The defensive line is the weakest link on the Chiefs defense, but it is also the youngest unit, and potential is definitely there.
Next, the Chiefs added depth at running back in the third round by drafting Kareem Hunt from Toledo. After releasing injury-prone Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs needed to improve their backfield, and Hunt may be the answer. He will have to fight for a spot during training camp, as both Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West are returning. Ware rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season, and West was a valuable asset when Ware needed rest. Hunt definitely has some competition, but his durability is not going to be an issue, like Charles’ was. Hunt could also be a key receiver out of backfield for Kansas City.
After filling team needs in the first three rounds, the Chiefs tried to add depth at wide receiver in the fourth round. Kansas City drafted Jehu Chesson from Michigan. Chesson will have to fight for a spot on the team in training camp, as the Chiefs’ top six receivers from a season ago are returning. If Chesson makes the team, he will probably spend the majority of his rookie season on special teams, but don’t be surprised if he catches a few passes next season too.
Following the draft choice of Chesson, the Chiefs drafted Outside Linebacker Ukeme Eligwe from Georgia Southern in the fifth round. Currently, the Chiefs are loaded at linebacker. Justin Houston, Dee Ford, Tamba Hali, Ramik Wilson, Derrick Johnson, Frank Zombo, D.J. Alexander, and Dadi Nicolas will all see time on the field at linebacker next season for Kansas City, but Eligwe could find a spot on special teams. As the Chiefs have many veteran linebackers, with some nearing retirement, Eligwe could be more of a long-term option, and may not see much playing time for years to come.
The last draft pick for the Chiefs was in the sixth round. Kansas City chose former USC Defensive Back Leon McQuay. The Chiefs already have a strong secondary with Eric Berry, Ron Parker, Marcus Peters, Phillip Gaines and Daniel Sorensen all having major contributions a season ago, but McQuay could see time on special teams if he makes the roster. Like many of the Chiefs other draft choices this season, McQuay may not see much playing time next season, but he has shown potential and may find a spot on a roster later down the line.
Overall, the Chiefs had an above average draft. They added depth to many positions, and thought more toward the future. Most of the Chiefs choices have been under the radar and not heard of by your average football fan, but when your roster has as much talent as Kansas City’s, you can’t really make significant improvements. Kansas City may have a more talented team in 2017 than they did last year, but don’t expect their win total to increase. Kansas City will have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. They’ll face the Cowboys, Patriots, and three tough AFC West opponents – two times each. As a Chiefs fan, it is tough to not see any major off-season improvements, but thinking long-term, fans have something to smile about.
For TMN, I’m Tristan Sasse