Positions the Chiefs can avoid in the draft
Running back
With Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and Knile Davis in the fold, the Chiefs may well have the deepest offensive backfield in all of football. Charles played just five games in 2015, but Kansas City’s backups still managed to amass over 1,400 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns.
The team proved it could shoulder an injury or two at the position even in the most crucial situations. In fact, Kansas City’s so stacked, the team reportedly fielded offers when Davis requested a trade back in March.
It’s unknown how Charles will rebound from his second ACL injury, but if history’s any indication, the Chiefs will again be one of the most running back-rich teams in the NFL. Despite Davis being basically expendable at this point, the team will still have little need for another halfback when the lights go up in the Auditorium Theatre. It’s not unreasonable to think they could backfill the position with someone who can also contribute to the return teams, but with De’Anthony Thomas returning to action, it’s certainly not a priority.
Inside Linebacker
Let’s face facts folks — Derrick Johnson will be 34 years old before the end of the 2016 season. With a new deal in place, he’ll most likely finish his career in Kansas City, but the time to identify his successor is just around the corner. Fortunately for Kansas City, they have a pair of young inside backers with promise.
Eight months ago, the team was pleasantly surprised when newcomer Justin March-Lillard came in, seemingly out of nowhere, to flash in training camp and the NFL preseason. If that weren’t enough, once he was felled by injury, they also got meaningful snaps out of 2015 draftee Ramik Wilson.
You can also say what you want about veteran Josh Mauga, but he’s a serviceable starter next to Johnson if nothing else. Barring an injury, the Chiefs have four players there who’ve proven adequate enough to start in this league. I suspect Dorsey could still sleep comfortably if none of his seven picks in this year’s draft went to that position group. Aside from March and Wilson, Kansas City also has D.J. Alexander in the mix.
He’s got a ways to go to be a valuable defensive contributor, but he proved his worth as an explosive special teams player in 2015.
Next: In conclusion...