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2015 NFL Draft: KC Chiefs Should Address Defense In First Round

By Leigh Oleszczak

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NFL Free Agency started on Tuesday this past week, and it caused a whirlwind of trades and signings all across the league. The KC Chiefs had a pretty good week with the start of free agency, as they acquired Jeremy Maclin, Tyvon Branch, Ben Grubbs, and Paul Fanaika through free agency.

Before free agency started, I was all on board for the Kansas City Chiefs getting an offensive player in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Now, however, I think it’s definitely more important to address the defense.

Think about it.

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The Chiefs now have Jeremy Maclin as their number one wide receiver on the roster. This is a deep receiver draft class, and the Chiefs can definitely find a decent option in the second or even third round (think Tyler Lockett or Phillip Dorsett).

The offensive line was my other concern after the 2014 season, but John Dorsey definitely addressed the worries by adding Grubbs and Fanika. Both of these guys are offensive guards and could fill the gaps on the left side and the right side.

Center is an area that could be addressed, but I don’t think the need is worthy of a first round pick. Kansas City has Eric Kush primed to take over, and I think it’s only fair to see what he’s capable of this season.

The defense is now what we turn to after these acquisitions, more specifically the secondary. Yes, the Chiefs’ secondary did pretty darn well in 2014, but a lot of those guys might not even be in Kansas City for 2015. Ron Parker will likely be out the door to a bigger contract, and we’re still uncertain of Eric Berry‘s season plans.

The inside linebacker positions needs to be looked at as well. Derrick Johnson is a terrific linebacker, but he’s going to be 32 at the start of the 2015 season, and it might be time to start looking at replacements for the former first round pick.

Some options the KC Chiefs could consider would be Landon Collins out of Alabama. Collins is by far the best safety in this year’s draft. If he’s still available with the 18th overall pick, please take him. He’d be worth it.

As for cornerbacks, Trae Waynes is a solid option, but he’ll likely be gone by the time the Chiefs select in the first round. It is worth noting that the Chiefs have a decent crop of cornerbacks at the moment, but a first round corner could be just what this secondary needs. Wayne would be tough to pass up on if he’s still on the board, but Kevin Johnson, Quinten Rollins, and P.J. Williams could be good fits for Kansas City too.

If the Kansas City Chiefs decide to go with addressing the inside linebacker need in the first round, Eric Kendricks would be their best bet. I would prefer Kansas City try to draft Collins or Wayne though if either are still available.

So, long story short, Landon Collins is now who I want to see the KC Chiefs draft 18th overall come draft day.

Next: Chiefs Focus On Offense Early In Mock Draft

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