KC Chiefs Can Go Many Different Ways In Draft

The KC Chiefs are officially in offseason mode, and that begins the draft talks. The Chiefs hold the 28th overall pick in this year’s draft, which puts them fourth to last in the first round.

The Kansas City Chiefs looked like a sure thing to land a top five draft pick after their 1-5 start, but they turned their season around and ended the season with an 11-5 record, playoff appearance, playoff win, and a new appreciation of their team.

What direction will the Chiefs decide to go in for the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft? Honestly, they could go anywhere from drafting a linebacker to taking the next franchise quarterback. It really is up in the air for a team that doesn’t have a ton of holes on the roster.

The biggest telling factor for what direction Kansas City SHOULD go in come draft day, will likely come during free agency, which begins in March. The Chiefs have several key players scheduled to become free agents, but the most notable ones are Eric Berry, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, and Sean Smith, all big time defensive players for the KC Chiefs this past year.

If Berry leaves, the team could use a new starting safety (assuming Husain Abdullah also departs). If Hali leaves, it’ll definitely be time for Dee Ford to step up, but drafting a linebacker wouldn’t be too crazy. If Johnson leaves, an inside linebacker will be needed to fill his shoes. If Smith leaves (which many seem to think he’s for sure a goner), then the team might yet again be drafting a cornerback early on.

What about the offensive side of the ball though? We all know the Chiefs had one of the best defenses in the league this season, and their offense sometimes couldn’t pull their weight. The biggest need for the Chiefs on offense would definitely be along the line, as last year they struggled to stay healthy.

It also wouldn’t be too crazy if the Kansas City Chiefs decided to draft their future franchise quarterback in round one.

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Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says that the Chiefs’ biggest need in the draft is along the offensive line, but he also lists defensive end, inside linebacker, and safety as needs for the team. Here was Zierlein’s analysis:

"Eric Fisher has had an up-and-down career so far in Kansas City, but even if he is penciled in at left tackle, the other tackle spot should be wide open entering the offseason. Help along the defensive front at defensive end and inside linebacker could be possibilities."

Fans were a bit puzzled last year when the Chiefs opted to take Marcus Peters in the first round rather than an offensive lineman or a wide receiver. Now, of course, we’re thrilled with the pick, but it’d be nice to see a new offensive player join the Chiefs in the first round of the draft this year.

Next: Five Worst Draft Picks in Chiefs History

What position do you want to see the KC Chiefs address in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft?

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