Kansas City Chiefs: Top Ten Draft Targets For 2017 v. 2
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs are more than half way through the 2016 NFL season. As the team progresses, their draft needs are coming more into focus.
With nine games in the books for the Kansas City Chiefs, we are seeing the evolution of the 2016 squad. The Chiefs currently sit at 7-2, first place in the AFC West. Over the past few weeks, KC fans have watched as the team has overcome a litany of big injuries. The depth and talent of this roster is impressive, and it puts the Chiefs in an excellent position for the 2017 NFL Draft.
With the 2016 college season starting to wrap up, NFL scouts are busy compiling all of their data for the offseason. General Managers are already starting to develop their draft strategies based on what they have witnessed from their teams’ performances. That is the case in Kansas City just as it is everywhere else.
The Chiefs appear poised to make a strong run in the playoffs. Barring a major collapse, KC should be considered as legitimate contenders. However, this team does still have it’s shortfalls. There are certain position groups that could stand to do with some more, or just some new, talent.
What To Target
Early on this season, it seemed pretty clear that the Kansas City Chiefs were in big need of a pass rusher. However, the development of Dee Ford, seemingly overnight, has changed the equation entirely. It is now much more difficult to figure out what exactly the Chiefs will need to focus on in the 2017 NFL Draft.
There is still some need in the secondary, and possibly at wide receiver. However, beyond that, the Chiefs appear to be playing with house money and should be able to simply take the best player available. That is a fantastic position to be in. It also means that this year is a golden opportunity to draft a quarterback. Of course, there is no guarantee the Chiefs even want to draft a quarterback. This is how my draft board for the Chiefs 1st round looks:
- Cornerback – The Chiefs are young at cornerback, and realistically a veteran might serve better here. However, after passing on Keivarae Russell, the prospect pool is a little less deep than before. On top of that, Phillip Gaines simply isn’t reliable to stay healthy. That leaves just Steven Nelson, DJ White, and Kenneth Acker to match with Marcus Peters. Help is needed.
- Safety – The situation surrounding Eric Berry is still up in the air. Until that is settled, the Chiefs need to keep their options open at safety. We saw this past week just how valuable Berry is. If the Chiefs are going to replace him, it will have to be early in the draft with a quality talent.
- Quarterback – This may be the year the Chiefs go after a quarterback early. There are some intriguing possibilities in the 2017 class. However, every prospect on the board comes with a good deal of questions. Alex Smith is under contract for another couple of years, but the Chiefs like to replace guys early.
- Wide Receiver – The Chiefs passing game has not lived up to expectations this year. The position group is young, but the Chiefs need a quality compliment to Jeremy Maclin. Chris Conley and Tyreek Hill have shown some promise, but both need to do more.
Given those four position groups, here is my second Chiefs Big Board for the 2017 NFL Draft…