NFL Draft 2017: Would Chiefs really avoid a first-round quarterback?

Is it possible the Chiefs could take Kaaya, Davis Webb or Nathan Peterman on Day 2? Certainly. Not every first round quarterback is a hit—far from it, actually. But fans have certainly had their fill of the Aaron Murrays and Kevin Hogans of the world, late round fliers with little chance at actually being a franchise quarterback. Risks must be taken to find such a rarity and fans are anxious for the Chiefs to try again.

The fact that the Chiefs have done their homework at the NFL Combine at such a level indicates that they’re hearing the fans loud and clear—and that they agree with them. Last year they dumped Kevin Hogan just months after drafting him, and Aaron Murray was let go at the same time. Suddenly John Dorsey was left without a single quarterback that he had drafted on the roster. Would the Chiefs really go for another complete season without a drafted, developmental quarterback? That notions seems absolutely silly.

It also makes solid financial sense. The extensions handed out to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Eric Berry will become more expensive as time goes on. The same can be said as previous extensions continue to mature for players like Travis Kelce, Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz and Justin Houston. Controlling costs for other positions will become paramount, and the best way to balance the books would be to go cheap at quarterback.

Beyond the money and the research, the Chiefs are also loaded with 10 draft picks, including two in the third round, on a roster with so few holes. Are there needs here and there? Absolutely. But there are no glaring holes to consider, which makes this the ideal time to capitalize on the quarterback market and leverage those assets into the player highest on the board.