The 2021 NFL Draft begins on April 29, which means that The Game Haus will be writing draft profiles for every team. Each NFL team will be evaluated heading into this year’s draft, as our staff recaps their last season, highlights their needs, and pinpoints their potential 2021 NFL Draft targets.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the subject of today’s 2021 NFL Draft profile.
For the second season in a row, the Kansas City Chiefs have reached the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Chiefs fell short of their ultimate goal of repeating as champions. Since most of their roster is returning they are expected to make another run at the Super Bowl next year. Especially since somehow offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and the rest of the offensive staff have not been pouched by other teams in need of coaches. But during the regular season Kansas City when 14-2 and that second loss happened in Week 17 against the Chargers where the team rested most of their starters.
Patrick Mahomes had a better season than he had the previous year. He threw for 4,740 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only had six interceptions. This performance was enough to insert Mahomes name back into the MVP conversation even though it was really a two-man race between Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers.
The Kansas City Chiefs offense did not disappoint this season. Once again it was near the top of the league as one of the most dominant units in the NFL. (Courtesy of KansasCity.com)
In the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Kansas City took running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. After Damien Williams opted out of last season Edwards-Helaire was expected to break out and be the Chiefs lead running back. He was their lead back but he was a slight disappointment with only 803 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the 13 games he played. He also was not considered one of the team’s top targets in the passing game either. Edwards-Helaire only had 36 receptions for 297 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Kansas City’s top receivers did not disappoint this season. Travis Kelce was one game away from being the first tight end to ever lead the league in receiving yards. Kelce broke the record for most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end 1,416 yards on 105 catches and 11 touchdowns. Tyreek Hill also had an outstanding season. He had 87 receptions for 1,276 yards and 15 touchdowns. That included a game against the Buccaneers where he had 13 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chief’s defense was middle of the pack. Chris Jones led the team in sacks with only 7.5. Tyrann Mathieu led the Chiefs in interceptions with six. Kansas City’s tackle leader was safety Daniel Sorenson with 91. Rookie fifth-round pick L’Jarius Sneed was a present surprise for the Chiefs last season. Even though he primarily played in the nickel he was the team’s best cornerback when he was on the field.
Kansas City let some big-name free agents hit the market this offseason and some of them signed with other teams. Sammy Watkins, Damien Wilson, Damien Williams, and Tanoh Kpassagnon signed with new teams. Kansas City cut both starting tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz and neither have been signed yet. But they have signed premium free agents like Joe Thuney, Jarran Reed, Kyle Long, and Austin Blythe. The Chiefs also resigned Daniel Sorenson, DeMarcus Robinson, and Mike Remmers.
Kansas City will have eight picks to use in the 2021 NFL Draft
First Round (one pick): No. 31
Second Round (one pick): No. 63
Third Round (one pick): No. 95
Fourth Round (two picks): No. 137, No. 145
Fifth Round (two picks): No. 176, No. 182
Sixth Round (one pick): No. 208
Seventh Round (zero picks):
Left Tackle- Kansas City revamped their offensive line after cutting Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. The one position they have yet to address is left tackle. The Super Bowl was evidence enough why it is important that the Chiefs have a stable option at the position.
Edge Rusher- Both Alex Okafor and Tanoh Kpassagnon hitting the market opens up a hole at defensive end opposite Frank Clark. Another solid starter on this defensive end would take attention away from both Clark and Chris Jones. It could potentially put the Chiefs’ defensive line to near-elite territory.
Cornerback- The Chiefs haven’t needed great cornerback play to have success. But with Baushad Breeland on the open market, Kansas City should explore trying to find a starting-caliber corner.
Wide Receiver- This offseason Kansas City retained DeMarcus Robinson for one more season. But they lack a solid third wide receiver. It may feel like a luxury with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and former second-round pick Mecole Hardman on the roster. But with all the receiver talent in this year’s class, the Chiefs could explore giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon.
Tight End- Kansas City has not invested much into tight end behind Travis Kelce. It could be a good idea to invest a draft pick into a tight end who is a solid blocker and pass catcher.
Running Back- After Clyde Edwards-Helaire the Chiefs have Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson, and Elijah McGuire. If the Chiefs see a running back in the later rounds who could lead a committee if something were to happen to Edwards-Helaire they should draft him.
First Round:
Since multiple teams could look to take a left tackle in the first round Samuel Cosmi could sneak into the later end of the first round. (Courtesy of Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
Pick No. 31: Samuel Cosmi, LT, Texas
Many have a second-round grade on Samuel Cosmi, but he may be the best left tackle available by the time Kansas City picks at the end of the first round. Cosmi projects to be a solid starter at the next level. That is exactly what Kansas City needs at the position in order for this offense to function. No matter what the Chiefs need to add a left tackle early in the draft to keep their offense playing at a high level.
Second Round:
Pick No. 63: Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
Adding Payton Turner to the Chief’s defensive line would give Kansas City one of the largest defensive lines in football. Frank Clark, Chris Jones, Jarran Reed, and Payton Turner could be a major threat to opposing offenses and could be a reason why Kansas City returns to the Super Bowl for the third year in a row.
Third Round:
Pick No. 95: Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
Dyami Brown is one of the talented deep threats in this year’s draft. He would likely start as the WR4 on this roster but could step into DeMarcus Robinson’s role after this season and could be an upgrade at slot receiver. Even though his forty-time wasn’t great, Brown projects to be a deep ball threat and has homerun speed that could make the Chief’s offense more dangerous.
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