Alex Smith: 5 replacements Chiefs could target in 2017

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball against Boston College during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball against Boston College during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Actually draft a QB

Alright, don’t fall out of your chair. Yes, the Chiefs really are allowed to draft a quarterback before the fifth round. At some point, this franchise has to make a real move and stop waiting around for some miracle to fall in its lap.

This year, there are going to be some quarterbacks worthy of a first-round pick. It is hard t see the Chiefs getting their mitts on DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame of Deshaun Watson of Clemson, but there are some other options for the latter half of the round. Perhaps Kansas City can get brad Kaaya out of the University of Miami (FL) or Chad Kelly – Jim Kelly’s nephew – out of Ole Miss.

Next: Top 25 Chiefs moments of all-time

The Chiefs have not drafted a quarterback in the first round since 1983, an absurdly long streak when you consider the importance of the position. Hell, even if Kansas City wants to hold onto Smith for another season or two, can we ever draft a franchise guy or at the very least, try to?

Of all the options, this is the best. You get a quarterback on a very inexpensive rookie deal for four seasons, allowing Dorsey to put all his resources elsewhere. Then you have a great player for 12-15 years if the right pick was made.

Sooner rather than later, the Chiefs need to bite the bullet.