AFC West offseason grades: Where do Chiefs rank?

5 of 5

Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chiefs spent the entire offseason answering one question before being asked another. General manager John Dorsey did a nice job of retaining his veterans in Jaye Howard, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Eric Berry, but lost Sean Smith to Oakland.

Dorsey did make nice moves by extending Travis Kelce, picking up the 2017 option on Eric Fisher and signing right tackle Mitch Schwartz to a five-year deal. Schwartz is arguably the best right tackle in football, and pairing him with Fisher is a huge move.

However, there were negatives. The draft landed some intriguing players but nobody who will certainly make an impact right away. In addition, the Justin Houston situation is looming over the season. Dorsey has stated that Houston is going to play in 2016, but when? I’m guessing around 4-6 games missed. Can Dee Ford fulfill his potential?

Kansas City’s roster is excellent, but could use one more player at either wide receiver or corner. How about Anquan Boldin and Brandon Boykin, two players who could really make a difference from the start?

Bottom line: The Chiefs are the best team in this division, but a potential Super Bowl run hinges on Houston’s knee and Ford’s progress.

Grade: C+

Projected record: 12-4

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