Kansas City Chiefs: The good, the bad, and the interesting…

With the 2015 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, and the off season work not yet upon us, let us take just a few moments to review the Chiefs draft decisions and picks. We’ll review the good, the bad, and the interesting.

The good starts with their first-round pick, Washington Huskies corner back Marcus Peters. Yes, there are a few red flags in his background, of which ESPN was not shy in pointing out during their draft coverage. However, strictly from a football perspective, Peters brings talent and depth to a position in need. I had predicted corner was a

Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) warming up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

position the Chiefs would go in the first round, though I did not anticipate Peters being the guy, I was targeting Wake Forest defensive back Kevin Johnson to be the guy, who was off the board after going to Houston.  Peters can step in immediately and compete for the starting position opposite of Sean Smith, and at a minimum, provides the Chiefs with three solid defensive backs with good young depth. As long as Peters can keep his head on straight, the Chiefs may have a steal.

The bad starts with their second round pick, Mitch Morse. Selecting him over much more experienced centers, Morse is far away from being able to start, and doesn’t quite fit with the rest of their offseason plans. Ben Grubbs and Paul Faniaka both are big, road grater guys. Morse isn’t that guy. He’s not overly physical. He’s much more a technician and less of a power guy. He does fit the mold of what the Chiefs want however, as he’s athletic, versatile, and can can play multiple positions. At a minimum, he’s great

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

depth, very similar to Jeff Allen. This is the type of guy though you draft in later rounds, and hope to develop, not in the second round, where you are expecting an immediate contributor. Minnesota TE Maxx Williams would have provided great depth at the position and an idea compliment to Travis Kelce. He went 55th overall, six picks after M0rse was selected. Hroniss Grassau, a center from Oregon, was selected at the top of the 3rd round. He would have been someone I’d have expected could have really challenged for playing time from day one, something i don’t see Morse doing. We shall see.

Chris Conley is an interesting player and curious to see his development. Measurable alone, this kid should be an elite wide receiver in this league. Big and fast, his measurables compare favorably to players such as Atlanta’s Julio Jones. However, his on field production screams late round pick. The question will be, what is he. His quarterback play his senior year was lacking, and the Bulldogs had Todd Gurley for most of the season, along with star freshman Nick Chubb. Obviously, Georgia ran the ball, and did so a lot. Conley is the type of wide receiver I liken to the receivers that were drafted in the first round ten, fifteen years ago. When receivers would need a few years of learning and development to fully contribute, which I believe Conley will need. His route running isn’t all that great, and has his share of drops, but the tools are all there. I certainly don’t see him doing much his first season, but his second and third season, he could really come on and be something. Only time will tell.

In summation from the 2015 NFL Draft, the word I look at to summarize the new players is contribute. I believe many if not all of the draft picks has the opportunity to contribute in some fashion. Lacking in sexy, the Chiefs draft appears deep in the contribute. Solid, cheap depth is always important. Lets see how Reid and his staff work at developing these new football players.