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An NFL Draft that had some enticing storylines and movement saw the Kansas City Chiefs go steadily about their business, adding seven rookies through the draft process.
The Chiefs have a clear mission burdened upon them since their blowout loss in Super Bowl LIX. Free agency saw them address a few of their needs, but fans were banking on the draft to provide the influx of talent needed to keep this incredible run atop the AFC going.
Let's see how they did with grades from each of their eight selections through three days of selections...
Round 1 Pick 32 (32) — Josh Simmons, T Ohio State: A
Patrick Mahomes took 36 sacks last season, a career-worst for the three-time Super Bowl champion. The Chiefs needed to address their offensive line this offseason and needed a left tackle in the draft. Simmons had a top-10 grade on some boards before a knee injury, so the value Kansas City gets with him at No. 32 is outstanding.
Assuming Simmons returns to form, the Chiefs are getting a premier prospect who should develop into a long term starter at tackle.
Round 2 Pick 31 (63) — Omarr Norman-Lott, DL Tennessee: C+
The Chiefs may have reached on Norman-Lott here but a run on defensive interior talent on Day 2 likely forced their hand.
Chris Jones needs a counterpart on the inside of the Chiefs' line, so there's a vision for some upside if he materializes into a starting caliber player. If that process is delayed in any way, then it will be hard to ignore the other positions that could have been addressed here.
Round 3 Pick 2 (66) — Ashton Gillotte, EDGE Louisville: B+
Steve Spagnuolo now has a load of talent at the bookends of his defensive front after adding Gillotte, a three-year starter with outstanding productivity. Gillotte ended his college career with 40 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks.
George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu have developed into stars on the left defensive edge though they could both get expensive in the coming years when extensions are due and free agency lingers.
Gillotte adds to the current talent pool while providing some insurance for future seasons.
Round 3 Pick 21 (85) — Nohl Williams, CB California: A-
Speaking of future roster changes, the Chiefs secondary could see some major shakeup with five defensive backs poised to hit free agency next offseason. The Chiefs secondary needed some talent added to the mix before next season.
Some would have hoped they address this position earlier on, but Williams nonetheless provides a needed skillset. Williams challenges receivers in coverage and his ball skills are undeniable, having led the nation in interceptions with seven last season.
Round 4 Pick 31 (133) — Jaylen Royals, WR Utah State: A
Once again the Chiefs capitalized on a value pick here while addressing a position of need. Royals has the ability to play outside or inside and should develop into a solid depth piece for the Andy Reid's offense.
The uncertainty of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy's availability for next season stirs come concern about Mahomes having some capable playmakers at his disposal. Just through necessity, there's a world where Royals has a significant role early on.
Round 5 Pick 20 (156) — Jeffrey Bassa, LB Oregon: B-
Kansas City turned back to its defensive-heavy approach here with Bassa who will add some depth to the linebacker position. Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton are solid and reliable in the middle of Spagnuolo's defense, but the Chiefs needed reliable contributions behind the two.
Bassa will get a chance to jockey for that positioning, entering the league with steady intangibles to develop from.
Round 7 Pick 12 (228) — Brashard Smith, RB SMU: B
Smith ran a sub 4.4 40 at the combine and fits the mold of a number of twitchy running backs with breakaway speed that have found a role in backfields across the league.
His wide receiver background helps in that area and he will have an opportunity to compete for a secondary or tertiary role at his position.
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The Chiefs have a clear mission burdened upon them since their blowout loss in Super Bowl LIX. Free agency saw them address a few of their needs, but fans were banking on the draft to provide the influx of talent needed to keep this incredible run atop the AFC going.
Let's see how they did with grades from each of their eight selections through three days of selections...
Round 1 Pick 32 (32) — Josh Simmons, T Ohio State: A
Patrick Mahomes took 36 sacks last season, a career-worst for the three-time Super Bowl champion. The Chiefs needed to address their offensive line this offseason and needed a left tackle in the draft. Simmons had a top-10 grade on some boards before a knee injury, so the value Kansas City gets with him at No. 32 is outstanding.
Assuming Simmons returns to form, the Chiefs are getting a premier prospect who should develop into a long term starter at tackle.
Round 2 Pick 31 (63) — Omarr Norman-Lott, DL Tennessee: C+
The Chiefs may have reached on Norman-Lott here but a run on defensive interior talent on Day 2 likely forced their hand.
Chris Jones needs a counterpart on the inside of the Chiefs' line, so there's a vision for some upside if he materializes into a starting caliber player. If that process is delayed in any way, then it will be hard to ignore the other positions that could have been addressed here.
Round 3 Pick 2 (66) — Ashton Gillotte, EDGE Louisville: B+
Steve Spagnuolo now has a load of talent at the bookends of his defensive front after adding Gillotte, a three-year starter with outstanding productivity. Gillotte ended his college career with 40 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks.
George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu have developed into stars on the left defensive edge though they could both get expensive in the coming years when extensions are due and free agency lingers.
Gillotte adds to the current talent pool while providing some insurance for future seasons.
Round 3 Pick 21 (85) — Nohl Williams, CB California: A-
Speaking of future roster changes, the Chiefs secondary could see some major shakeup with five defensive backs poised to hit free agency next offseason. The Chiefs secondary needed some talent added to the mix before next season.
Some would have hoped they address this position earlier on, but Williams nonetheless provides a needed skillset. Williams challenges receivers in coverage and his ball skills are undeniable, having led the nation in interceptions with seven last season.
Round 4 Pick 31 (133) — Jaylen Royals, WR Utah State: A
Once again the Chiefs capitalized on a value pick here while addressing a position of need. Royals has the ability to play outside or inside and should develop into a solid depth piece for the Andy Reid's offense.
The uncertainty of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy's availability for next season stirs come concern about Mahomes having some capable playmakers at his disposal. Just through necessity, there's a world where Royals has a significant role early on.
Round 5 Pick 20 (156) — Jeffrey Bassa, LB Oregon: B-
Kansas City turned back to its defensive-heavy approach here with Bassa who will add some depth to the linebacker position. Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton are solid and reliable in the middle of Spagnuolo's defense, but the Chiefs needed reliable contributions behind the two.
Bassa will get a chance to jockey for that positioning, entering the league with steady intangibles to develop from.
Round 7 Pick 12 (228) — Brashard Smith, RB SMU: B
Smith ran a sub 4.4 40 at the combine and fits the mold of a number of twitchy running backs with breakaway speed that have found a role in backfields across the league.
His wide receiver background helps in that area and he will have an opportunity to compete for a secondary or tertiary role at his position.
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