Justin Houston contract: Last need of the offseason?

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

But where last year fans were left with a team in need of a lot during the offseason, this year is different. This year, both the wide receivers and offensive line had been addressed, and with known talent, before the draft even started. The front office then spent its first three draft picks taking the best cornerback in the draft, adding depth to center and adding another wide receiver.

On defense, Tamba Hali and Ron Parker were both retained within the salary cap, and Mike DeVito and Derrick Johnson should both be healthy and back in the lineup. Just to be safe, though, the Chiefs spent multiple draft picks on linebacker and defensive tackle.

They even have all nine drafts picks signed. Heck, things seem to be going well enough that we may even get to watch Mike Catapano as a regular contributor. Who knows?

So what needs are left for Kansas City?

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There is still room for improvement in a number of areas, no doubt. Right now the center position is a battle between a third-year player who has only played in three games, and a second-round draft pick who has yet to see a single NFL snap. That is not what anyone would call an ideal situation. But at the same time, there is still more confidence in the offensive line than last season. And unless both Eric Kush and Mitch Morse prove to be inadequate centers, addressing the position is not a need.

There is a similar situation in the defensive backfield. Right now, Sean Smith is considered the starter at both strong safety and left corner on this depth chart from ESPN (editors note: ESPN is a grease fire for quality information). Obviously, he can’t play both positions at once. And if he is at corner, then the next man up at safety is Tyvon Branch. Again, there is room to improve, but no apparent need that has to be filled.

It appears the future is much brighter now than it was a year ago.

GO CHIEFS!!!!