We are just eight days away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Player rankings, team needs and potential trades have all been discussed heavily. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs and other contenders are still looking to fill some holes in the draft. Based on their offseason so far, Kansas City has filled more holes than others, depending on where you look at the roster. But in the end, the offseason may have clearly shaped a potential draft strategy for the Chiefs entering next week’s selections.
The Chiefs enter this draft with currently having seven selections. As back-to-back champions, Kansas City will have to let the board fall to them, once again. But at the same time, we know that this team is not afraid to wheel and deal, moving around the draft board, if necessary. Based on the offseason moves they have made so far, the draft strategy for the Chiefs may include some aggressive pushes.
How has the offseason shaped the possible draft strategy for the Chiefs, in terms of team needs? Plus, how will Kansas City potentially think of this draft, when looking at specific areas to attack? Let’s kick it off.
Defensive Re-Signings
Outside of trading away cornerback L’Jarius Sneed after they franchise tagged him, the Chiefs did not lose a lot of notable names. Linebacker Willie Gay moved on in free agency. Though, that move was largely expected, based on the early re-signing of Drue Tranquill. Overall, Tranquill was one of a handful of notable defensive re-signings that Kansas City conducted this offseason. It makes for very little turnover and little development needed on a defense that was among the best in the league on a championship team last year.
Beyond Tranquill, defensive end Mike Danna eventually returned on a three-year deal. Those two getting multi-year deals to return helped stabilize some necessary depth for KC in the front seven. On the flip side, names like Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel and Deon Bush were all brought back on one-year deals. Because of this offseason re-signing mode the Chiefs enjoyed on defense, there are very little holes and question marks for roles on the defensive side, when considering their draft strategy.
Offense Heavy?
As a result of those defensive re-signings, could the Chiefs go with an offensive heavy draft strategy? As long as Patrick Mahomes is still slinging the rock, Kansas City is always going to have a shot. But obviously, there were times where the Chiefs were asking him to carry the team on his back too often last year. Better production and more consistent results from surrounding pieces will be key. Of course, names like Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco still had solid campaigns in 2023. But if Kansas City can get more steady results from other spots on offense, it will be difficult to slow them down.
Because of their offseason moves so far, it would not be shocking to see the Chiefs employ a draft strategy that mainly focuses on offensive pieces. Wide receiver is still a top need for this team. KC will likely select one at some point in the draft, possibly even two. Offensive tackle appears to be a spot where there could be some added competition from a new draft pick. And in places like tight end, running back and even interior offensive line, it would not hurt if the Chiefs used their draft strategy to solidify depth in those spots.
Brown And Rice Facing Different Situations
The signing of Marquise Brown was the exact skill set that Kansas City needed to add at wide receiver. His speed and threat in the deep areas was drastically missing on the Chiefs offense the last year or two. He is going to come in and be one of the top weapons on the offensive unit. But because of injuries and circumstances in Arizona limiting his production, Brown will join the Chiefs looking to prove himself on a one-year deal.
Elsewhere, the situation surrounding Rashee Rice makes things a bit discouraging. Because of an off-field incident a few weeks ago, his future is filled with some question marks, coming off of his rookie season. Do the Chiefs feel more pressure than before to hit on a wide receiver early and adding another one later in the draft? Kansas City may still let the board come to them. Though, the Rice situation will still surely affect the draft strategy of the Chiefs in some way, shape or form.
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