KC Chiefs draft three consecutive offensive players in three-round mock

With the holes the KC Chiefs have on defense, it’s hard not to see them addressing those flaws in the 2021 NFL Draft, but a recent mock draft has them doing just that.

The Kansas City Chiefs have major needs on both the offensive side of the ball and the defensive side of things and that’s why they’ll likely address both sides during the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network, however, had the Chiefs selecting three consecutive players on offense with their first three picks in his latest mock draft. The selections were:

1. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL (USC)
2. Quinn Meinerz, C (Wisconsin-Whitewater)
3. Nico Collins, WR (Michigan)

Now, to be fair, I wouldn’t complain about these selections, but it seems very odd that the Chiefs would totally neglect defense when they need a linebacker, depth along the defensive front, and insurance in the secondary. Unless they’d be heavily reaching for a player when they’re on the clock, I can’t see Brett Veach using the team’s first three picks on offensive players.

Here’s what Cummings said about his decision to have the Chiefs take Vera-Tucker:

"In Round 1, perhaps no offensive lineman fills that need better than USC offensive tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tucker has quality tape at both tackle and guard. With a great combination of size and athleticism, he’d give the Chiefs flexibility and security in the trenches."

Vera-Tucker would be an excellent value pick, but the chances of him falling to No. 31 are slim. He’s typically mocked in the middle of the first round and even if he were available when the Chiefs are on the clock, the team needs more of a sure thing at tackle. Vera-Tucker mostly played guard at USC.

It’s tough to imagine the KC Chiefs ignoring their defense during the first two days of the draft.

Not only is the Chiefs not taking a defensive player bizarre, but Kansas City probably doesn’t need to spend its first two picks on the offensive line. Joe Thuney gives this team their left guard of the future, Kyle Long adds versatility, and Austin Blythe is competition at center for Nick Allegretti. Then again, Meinerz might come from a small school, but he’s someone who is good enough to hear his name called on Day 2, so he could worth a pick for the Chiefs.

As for Collins in the third round, the Chiefs need help at wide receiver. He didn’t play in 2020, but the last time he was in action for Michigan, he had seven trips into the end zone along with 729 yards receiving. He’d be a nice target for Patrick Mahomes to have, that’s for sure.

How do you feel about these picks, Chiefs fans? Could you actually see the team ignoring defense in the first three rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft?