4. Linebacker
Nick Bolton is on the final year of his rookie deal, while Willie Gay Jr. and Drue Tranquill both are not under contract in 2024. All three were excellent throughout the season, with Tranquill in particular seeming like a guy that Veach will work hard to keep.
Gay Jr. has seemingly accepted the notion that he won't be signed, and it's unclear what the Chiefs' future plans are with Bolton, who is a leader on the defense but will likely require a hefty contract extension.
Given the importance of linebackers in Steve Spagnuolo's scheme, that makes this a huge priority. We saw game-changing plays from Bolton in last year's Super Bowl win and frequently from Tranquill throughout this playoff run, buoyed by the pressure the defensive line provided and exceptional coverage from the secondary. Linebackers are essentially the glue here, so drafting one to start developing would be wise.
Edgerrin Cooper will continue to climb up draft boards. The Texas A&M prospect (#45) is your prototypical modern linebacker with an ideal frame, length, athleticism, and versatility. As a run defender, he is quick to trigger downhill and has a wide tackling radius. pic.twitter.com/nNiEjvUrLX
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) February 18, 2024
Whether the acquisition needs to be a high draft pick or a middle-rounds one to be developed mostly depends on what happens with Gay Jr. and Tranquill.
If the Chiefs need to replace two starters in the middle of the defense, which I consider unlikely for what it's worth, Veach will need to spend adequate draft capital to shore up the unit.
Both Bolton and Gay Jr. were second-round picks. Could Veach go back to the second-round well this year? We'll soon find out.