KANSAS CITY CHIEFS POST-DRAFT BREAKDOWN

After getting back to the Super Bowl this past season and suffering one of their worst losses of the season, their weaknesses on offense were effectively exposed. The offensive line was collectively dominated in the Super Bowl, as Patrick Mahomes ran for his life.

As a result, general manager Brett Veach addressed it swiftly and boldly. He released former No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher as well as Mitchell Schwartz, both starting tackles and former Pro Bowlers. They traded their 2021 first-round draft pick to the Baltimore Ravens for Orlando Brown. They also signed Joe Thuney and lured Kyle Long out of retirement to play guard. This provided them some flexibility in the draft.

Let’s take a look back at their 2021 NFL Draft class:

Round 2: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Bolton is an excellent linebacker who should seamlessly transition into Steve Spagnuolo’s 4-3 defense. He is a downhill linebacker who plays with good athleticism and an instinctive feel. He is lauded for his football IQ and Kansas City sees him as a long-term option at MIKE. However, he will start on the outside, allowing Anthony Hitchens to make all the calls to free up more athletic linebackers like Willie Gay and Bolton.

Round 2: Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

Humphrey is a powerful center who is very good at the point of attack. He will provide a better-sized option than Austin Blythe at the center position. Interior linemen are responsible for the depth of the pocket and Humphrey’s ability to anchor against heavier, stronger nose tackles should provide Mahomes with a clean pocket. This was also an area of concern in 2020.

Round 4: Joshua Kaindoh, EDGE, Florida State

In today’s NFL, you can’t ever have too many edge rushers. Kaindoh is a super athletic edge rusher who underachieved at Florida State, to some degree. However, he tested excellent at his pro day and Kansas City hopes to be able to maximize that natural ability with pro coaching. If he can stay healthy, he should make the roster and be a subpackage rusher immediately, while also contributing on special teams.

Round 5: Noah Gray, TE, Duke

Travis Kelce is aging. Gray has the positional flexibility to play H back, can flex out as a receiver, and also has the toughness to play in-line. He should make the roster based on his ability as a special teamer and could earn a role as a complementary piece in passing situations.

Round 5: Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson

Powell gives the Chiefs a bigger-bodied, physical receiver amongst all of the smaller “race car” types that they have. He will do his best work in the short to intermediate areas as well as the red zone. While he likely won’t contribute much on offense early on, he has the chance to make the roster on special teams due to his size, speed, and physicality.

Round 6: Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

Smith is physical and plays with good in-line power in a phone booth. He’s had some medical issues in the past but was durable enough to start 40 consecutive games at Tennessee. He’s likely a long shot to roster in his first season, but could be a practice squad candidate.