General manager Brett Veach knows what he is doing
When Brett Veach took over for John Dorsey before the season started last year, he made a nice, quick impression. He added to that with this year’s draft.
It became clear once the draft was through what he was up to. He selected a defensive player with each pick, not only sending a clear picture but understanding the biggest need for Kansas City going forward.
The guys he selected are almost all utility type players. They are guys that understand football, love the game, and have great minds for the game. They also fit Bob Sutton’s defense perfectly.
When Berry went down in week one, the experiment of using Daniel Sorenson in his spot, playing him the same way, basically failed. Sorenson is a great compliment player alongside Berry, but he isn’t built to be used the same way.
The selection of a guy like Dorian O’Daniel fits that need perfectly. O’Daniel is a linebacker/safety combo that fits Kansas City and their scheme better than any other team he could have been drafted by.
Breeland Speaks is an outside linebacker that is as comfortable playing on the line than off of it. Much like Tamba Hali was, Speaks will be used the same way.
Armani Watts is probably the steal of the draft, as he should be able to step right in and take over the void left by Ron Parker in the offseason.
Derrick Nnadi has a chance to step in and start right away at the defensive tackle spot. He is a run-defending extraordinaire, which is one of the big issues that hurt Kansas City last season.
The addition of Watkins to the receiving core is more about setting up Mahomes with targets all over the field than anything else. Watkins biggest attribute is his ability to catch the ball in the red zone, another spot where Kansas City needed much help last season.
Veach has a plan, and it doesn’t take a lot of football smarts to see what he’s doing with this team.