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Post-Draft Chiefs things I think

By Ryan Tracy

Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) intercepts a pass intended for USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) intercepts a pass intended for USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was a very interesting, value-oriented NFL Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The most promising move was made early. This draft overall was one of the weaker of the last decade and unlike the 2013 draft, John Dorsey was able to get away from it. Trading down and out of the first round was the best move in order to get value from this draft class. Dorsey was able to find a trade partner that gave him some value, which he was unable to find in 2013 and took Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick.

That value was selected in days two and three. Chris Clark joined me to give our LIVE analysis as Day 3 went on. Those takes and a look at the AFC West are on the CWM podcast this week:

You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean or Google Play.

With the a successful draft in the rear-view mirror, here are a few things that stand out to me and what they mean for your Chiefs.

10 Chief Things I Think

1. Chris Jones has talent and attitude to burn. His power and first step are impressive for an interior lineman. They allow him to play three downs in both a 5-technique and a 3-technique. His jovial attitude reminds me of some of the personalities from the ’85 Bears team. He’ll bring some swagger to the front.

2. This receiving corps has it all. Size with Conley and Streater, speed in Wilson and Conley and route running with Maclin and now Demarcus Robinson. Robinson was not on my board due to his off-field issues, but he is a low-risk/high-reward pick. His short area quickness score is the best of the Chiefs’ receivers. He is twitchy, has quick feet and accelerates quickly and smoothly. He ran slants, screens, posts and comebacks well at Florida. He can work against zone coverage and can play inside and outside. He could be a nice surprise in training camp.

3.  KeiVarae Russell’s injury concern helped drop him to the Chiefs. That was a nice circumstance. While Mackensie Alexander was thought to be an option, Russell is likely to start on the outside where Alexander could not.

4. Parker Ehinger was selected to battle. Battle for a starting guard position and battle to be the swing tackle. Other tackles could be brought in, but as it stands now, Ehinger could be either or both. Reid and his staff clearly have confidence in the current roster, but Ehinger should contribute to the competition.

5. Injuries to Tamba Hali and Dee Ford are the biggest risk going into the 2016 season. With Justin Houston out for an unknown, but possibly lengthy time, any injury to these staring OLBs could derail the Chiefs early season.

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad dc Eric Murray of Minnesota (31) in the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad dc Eric Murray of Minnesota (31) in the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Phillip Gaines is going to be a mainstay. Hopefully, he can stay healthy. The Chiefs demonstrate, maybe more than any other team in the league, that to be successful, you have to three starting-caliber corners on the roster. Marcus Peters, Gaines and Russell are a solid trio.

7. Alex Smith has the weapons to get the job done. The passing offense has its best chance to succeed since Smith joined the team. His command of the offense has solidified it into a contender-caliber squad. The time is now for Smith and the offense.

8. John Dorsey is in a good position to negotiate the Dontari Poe deal. Poe will be able to command a strong, but not elite salary. If he wants to stay in Kansas City, Chris Jones’ presence may give Dorsey an added edge in getting a reasonable deal done.

9. Dorsey and Reid are following their path on the offensive line: versatility. They have brought in LDT and Zach Fulton and developed them in the mold Reid wants to be filled. Jah Reid, to a lesser extent is being relied on for this ability to move up and down the line.

10. Eric Murray is going to have an impact on this team. Maybe not right away, but he will benefit this team. His coverage skills are further along than Steven Nelson’s were coming out of college. He can also be a unique tool for Bob Sutton because he can move back and forth from Nickel corner to safety. With he and Nelson as the 4th/5th corners, this secondary is growing into a powerhouse.

More on the Draft class and where they will fit in next week!

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