The Kansas City Chiefs made quality moves in the draft. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus analyzed the Chiefs' draft haul and what players are worth watching this offseason. Running back, Brashard Smith, was Cameron's choice of rookie to watch, as he could climb the depth chart.
"Smith could be a highly productive receiving back in Andy Reid’s offense, which will emphasize his skill set and ability to align anywhere on the field. While he likely doesn't have the frame to handle 20-plus touches per game, Smith could be a valuable weapon for 10-15, especially with his ability to create mismatches against inside defenders in the passing game. His 90.8 PFF receiving grade charted as the highest by any back in the nation (minimum 15 targets)," Cameron said.
"Taylor has largely struggled at the right tackle spot since arriving in Kansas City in 2023, and the Chiefs' selection of Simmons speaks directly to that. Over the past two seasons, Taylor has generated just a 59.0 PFF overall grade while charting below the 50th percentile as a pass protector and below the 5th percentile in negatively graded run block rate — and that’s all without mentioning his league-leading 42 penalties."
Cameron noted the Chiefs selected an offensive lineman, Josh Simmons, who could push for a starting position. Cameron listed Simmons versus veteran tackle Jawaan Taylor as a position battle worth watching this offseason.
"While Simmons played left tackle at Ohio State, he has experience at right tackle from his time at San Diego State. What we saw from Simmons before his injury was a solid tackle prospect with impressive flexibility, balance, feet, and hands, with the frame to hold up on the outside at the next level, evidenced by his 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets," Cameron said.
Kansas City has improved on both sides of the ball in the draft, which should lead to better protection for Patrick Mahomes this upcoming season. Protecting Mahomes will significantly affect how far the Chiefs go this season.
If they can protect him better than they did last season, another deep playoff run should be on the horizon.
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