Chiefs Things I Think: Post-Combine thoughts about Kansas City
By Ryan Tracy
The two major events of the draft season have come and gone with the conclusion of the NFL combine and the start of free agency. It got me thinking about the Kansas City Chiefs.
The combine has offered some reassurance on some scouting reports and offered some new questions on others. The running back draft class is so varied and deep that it has something to offer well into the third day of the NFL Draft. It also is making free agency tough on current NFLF running backs. We dug into the running backs with Seth Keysor of Arrowhead Pride today on the Locked on Chiefs podcast.
My top 10 Chiefs thoughts post-combine, as free agency kicks off
1. Eric Berry in his agents had a good plan. Getting re-signed in Kansas City was their preference all along. They put up a strong front to stay in Kansas City but not under the franchise tag. In the end, it helped the two sides reach an agreement to make him the highest paid safety and Berry has been relieved to remaining Kansas City.
2. Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster is likely to fall in the draft’s first round. His fall will help push other inside linebackers down the board as well, making more available at pick #27. Even in the wake of an ill-advised confrontation in Indianapolis, Foster is one player I would be comfortable with the team trading up to get. The situation hurts his stock and he could fall to the bottom third of round 1. In the twenties, a short trade-up is a possibility given the compensatory picks Kansas City has available to package in a deal. The Chiefs should be considering making a move.
3. Alex Smith’s new understudy should come from this draft. Nick Foles is still on the roster as of writing this (Update: Foles Released), but I don’t see that lasting. They may not see 1st round value in any quarterback prospect, but there will likely be someone they feel can develop. Reid has shown he can squeeze the maximum out of any young QB. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have to.
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4. Jaye Howard should be in for a big rebound year. He went on injured reserve after playing half the 2016 season. It was the first year of his new 2-year deal. Now, he is back in a contract year situation. The last time Howard was in a contract year he responded with career-highs in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles. Howard is looking at playing a bigger role when the Chiefs go to their 4-man front in the nickel/dime. That suits him well and he should respond in kind.
5. Pairing a rookie running back with Spencer Ware may be tougher than I originally thought. The most exciting 3rd down type back in Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. The bulk of the 1st and 2nd-day running backs are all the primary back type. If the team has a real urgency to improve the running back corps (it should have one), it’s likely that they’re looking at either a platoon situation or even looking to Ware as a 3rd down back.
6. The door is open, but I think it may be best that Dontari Poe does not return to Kansas City. There are several run-stopping defensive tackles in this draft that may go on the 3rd day. With Chris Jones entering his second season and with both Howard and Allen Bailey and back to push the pocket, the team is better off with a cheap, young NT in 2017.
7. Tight end should be a target in this next draft. Even before the news of Demetrius Harris’ arrest on a felony possession charge, it’s a position I felt the team could use a more dynamic and reliable pass catcher. Now, with Harris’s misstep, it seems more of a priority. He’s been an iffy pass catcher for two seasons and will likely be suspended for games in 2017.
8. Derek Rivers played at Youngstown state. Under the radar until the Senior Bowl, he is showing the traits the Chiefs look for in an outside linebacker. He played as both a stand-up linebacker and a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher. Both athletically and in production, Rivers looks eerily similar to Justin Houston. A likely second-day pick, his skills fit the team’s defense well. I’ll have an interview with Rivers early next week and more on him as the NFL Draft gets closer.
9. Jamaal Charles may have a tough time finding a new home this offseason. It’s been rumored he’s found a lukewarm market for his services. It could be because there are other high-profile free agents looking for a home this off-season. It could also be due to the fact that this draft will likely produce 8-10 running backs that will be selected in the first 3 rounds. The team appears to have moved on, but if Charles is without a team come OTA’s, I could see it making sense to sign a team-friendly deal and return.
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10. The Chiefs would like to have Hasson Reddick on this roster. He is the athletic chase-type inside linebacker they have consistently sought in the draft and free agency. He runs like D.J. but can rush the passer outside. He has ties to the younger Coach Reid and met with the team at the combine. He explained to BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com:
"“Going there and talking to Andy (Reid), and those guys… The vibe I got from [Reid] when I talked with the Chiefs, I think they liked me, so I feel like that setting would be comfortable, and that’s somewhere I’m willing to have a long career there if I get drafted there.”"
The Pro Day schedule has kicked off and free agency will be in full swing tonight. Rosters will be changing. Enjoy the frenzy!