Round 3 (No. 91 overall)
Used or traded: Traded in package of picks to move up and select Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes
John Johnson, S, Boston College
Does this fit: If the Chiefs had already added a cornerback in the first round (as in this exercise), then this is a poor fit for a team that has needs elsewhere, but Johnson would have been a nice addition in the vein of how the Chiefs like their defensive backs. Johnson has lots of great game experience as a physical, hybrid defensive back who has played high or in the box. The Chiefs took a version of this on their own later in the draft in Leon McQuay III.
Other picks available that make sense for the Chiefs: The Chiefs could have taken another defensive lineman in Montravius Adams, a defensive tackle from Auburn who would basically be asked to learn for a year from Bennie Logan before manning the middle for the next half-decade. The Chiefs also showed interest in Brendan Langley, a small school corner taken by the Broncos shortly after this.
Round 3 (No. 104 overall)
Used or traded: Traded in package of picks to move up and select Toledo RB Kareem Hunt
C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa
Does this fit: Only if you wanted to cause a riot in Kansas City. Technically, yes, the Chiefs need a quarterback at this point, but to walk away with a third round quarterback is already a problem for fans at this point. Then to have that quarterback’s name not rhyme with Dobbs or Webb or, well, anyone they’d heard of would be a public relations nightmare.
That said, Beathard is an intriguing pick if it’s not your team making it. He’s smart. Might have the tools but was stuck at Iowa for years. The numbers aren’t great yet the tape’s not bad. Pro Day was great, and Kyle Shanahan reportedly wants to bring him in because he reminds him of someone named Kirk Cousins. So who knows? Maybe we’ll all look back and realize the genius of the Niners. Or we’ll laugh at former 3rd round pick C.J. Beathard.
Other picks available that make sense for the Chiefs: Pittsburgh running back James Conner was taken immediately after this and would be a great story joining Eric Berry in K.C. Also inside linebacker Kendall Beckwith would have helped the Chiefs at this point deal with any potential issues with Derrick Johnson’s return from injury.