Kansas City Chiefs: Top 10 Draft Targets For 2017
By Ben Almquist
With five games in the bag, we are starting to see the Chiefs needs for the future. Here is a look at the current top targets for the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs are sitting at 4-2 with an eye towards the playoffs. The Chiefs are about to embark on a five game stretch that should leave them in good position for the postseason. Many pundits are jumping on KC as a favorite to win the AFC West. However, the Chiefs front office is currently more focused on the future of the franchise with the 2017 NFL Draft.
What? NFL Draft talk already? Well, yes. Because now is when the process is really beginning. Right now, the Chiefs have their scouts fanned out all over the country doing due diligence on the best players in college football. So why wouldn’t we be doing the same here? Not to worry though, this isn’t a mock draft. This is simply a list of the top ten prospects for the Chiefs to be watching.
The Kansas City Chiefs are a solid team with quality depth. Realistically, this team can absolutely make a run in the postseason. However, KC is not without its faults. Just like every team, there are question marks. What’s more, there are projected holes that will come over the next couple of season as players leave.
What To Target
The Chiefs have largely followed a specific trend when it comes to the first round of the NFL draft. John Dorsey and his staff seem to turn an eye towards future openings, rather than immediate needs. That is a sound strategy and gives the Chiefs some wiggle room when it comes to their picks.
However, in 2017 the Chiefs look like they may have some pressing needs that can’t be put off. Those immediate needs may cause Dorsey to hold off on addressing future needs instead. As it currently stands, my draft board for the Chiefs 1st round draft needs looks like this:
- Pass Rusher – Dee Ford has improved, but not enough to make me feel good about him. Tamba Hali is no longer an every down guy. The Chiefs need a consistent player opposite of Justin Houston.
- Defensive Back – KeiVarae Russell was a bust, Kenneth Acker is just a guy (JAG), and Phillip Gaines is injury prone. On top of that, the future of Eric Berry is still in question. This is definitely a concern.
- Quarterback – Alex Smith‘s contract is up after the 2018 season. If the Chiefs believe there is a franchise quarterback in this draft, then going after him is a very good idea.
- Linebacker – It seems weird to say this, but the Chiefs ILB situation is not settled. It would appear the Chiefs did not agree with most outside analysis about the strength of the position. So what is the plan for replacing Derrick Johnson when he eventually retires?
Given those four position groups, here is my first Chiefs Big Board for the 2017 NFL Draft…