How the Kansas City Chiefs should approach the rest of the offseason

The Chiefs offseason is off to a big start with the Alex Smith trade, but work is left to be done for the Chiefs to be contenders.

First off, we can cross off cornerback from the top of the Kansas City Chiefs wish list. While their work at overhauling the position is not over, the organization took a large step in the right direction with the (pending) acquisition of Kendall Fuller. Thus far, new general manager Brett Veach has shown a willingness to make the big move, trading for Reggie Ragland, Cam Erving and now Kendall Fuller in a short period of time.

With this move already in the fold, we can explore some moves the Chiefs could make this offseaon to improve the roster, namely overhaul a defense that has greatly under performed when it counted most. First, we’ll explore current players who have expiring contracts the Chiefs (in this writers opinion) should look at bringing back.

Bennie Logan: While blame can go around and question of just how impactfull Logan was this previous season, nose tackles are difficult to find and he’s a bit of a known quantity. Pro Football Reference, through their grading system, indicates Logan had a solid season. Regardless, finding athletic big bodies is difficult and Logan is already here. It’s a solid first step.

Albert Wilson: While there may be other receivers available that produce more yardage, Wilson’s versatility is a great asset to the Chiefs. Wilson plays on all special teams, can line up at any receiver position and isn’t a player that is likely to be overly expensive. Special teams players that can also aid in the offense (or defense) are vital to teams competing year after year. Questions at the receiver position outside of Tyreek Hill make his return important.

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Zach Fulton: Much like what was said about Wilson, Fulton’s ability to play all three of the interior line positions is a huge asset for an organization in a bit of transition. Breaking in a young quarterback, it would be a benefit to the Chiefs to ensure they have quality interior line play to help keep the aforementioned signal caller standing up. Questions about Mitch Morse and his ability to stay healthy also go into the need to keep Fulton in the fold.

Terrence Mitchell: While the Fuller acquisition strikes a bit at the value of Mitchell, he’s shown an ability to play the cornerback position. Combined with his ability to contribute on special teams, and he is a valuable piece to the organization. While not a starter, Mitchell is an excellent asset for depth on a defense that is lacking sorely in that department. Mitchell can step into his more natural role of backup/third corner then what he was asked of this previous season.

Other Chiefs free agents of note:

Dustin Colquitt: Good guy, solid punter. However, while the Chiefs are in the process of creating cap room, the 2018 draft is deep (true statement) in talented punters, ranging from Texas’ Michael Dickson (Texas Bowl MVP) to Alabama JK Scott to Florida Jonny Townsend. All three likely get drafted. They are significantly cheaper then Colquitt, and allow the Chiefs to target their resources elsewhere.

Anthony Sherman: With the emergence of Kareem Hunt, I’m moving Spencer Ware to fullback and letting Sherman walk. With more shotgun formations likely coming the Chiefs way, Sherman’s position is more of a luxury then necessity. Ware was a fullback in college and can contribute as depth at running back and fullback at the same time.

Free agents to target:

DaQuan Jones, DT, Titans: Jones is a big run-stopping 3-4 defensive end in the Titans scheme and would look really great lined up next to Logan and Chris Jones on the defensive front. The 26-year-old lineman immediately adds needed punch and size at what would like be the left defensive end spot. Allows Chiefs to move on from Allen Bailey for cap space and greatly reduces the need of finding a defensive lineman early in the upcoming draft.

Alex Okafor, DE/LB, Saints: Solid pass rusher ruptured his Achilles in November of 2017 so there are questions about his availability of the start of the upcoming season. Perhaps then his price tag will be lowered. Chiefs could be in a position to not rush the soon to be 27-year-old pass rusher back from injury between Houston and Ford on the roster and a likely draft pick.

Vontae Davis, CB, FA: Formerly of the Colts before being released/injured during this past season. The veteran corner, while perhaps not an every down starter anymore, could provide a good third option, play outside right corner while Fuller could play the slot on passing downs. (This is what the Broncos do with Chris Harris). Davis could also be a steadying presence in the Chiefs locker room after veterans like Smith and likely Hali and others follow suit on their way out the door.

Demario Davis, ILB, Jets: The Jets middle backer had a solid season for a team that appears to always be in a state of transition. The 29 year old linebacker started every game this past season, recording 135 tackles and 3.5 sacks and could be a solid compliment backer next to Reggie Ragland, especially if the Chiefs move on from Derrick Johnson. This position may not be nearly as important if the Chiefs feel Derrick Johnson can somewhat return to form and agrees to reduce his 2018 salary. Regardless, expect depth at the position to be addressed.

NFL Draft prospect to watch:

Duke Ejiofor, DE/OLB, Wake Forest (6’3, 275 pounds)

The Chiefs, if they are wanting to advance in the playoffs, need to address their pass rush, and need to do it in a big way. Beyond the fact that Hali is all but assuredly gone, and there are a slew of questions about whether Dee Ford returns, and let’s not forget Houston is both aging and playing on injured knees, this is a position that needs a lot of help. That brings us to Wake Forest edge rusher Duke Ejiofor.

At the same stage in the draft process, Ejiofor’s body is almost identical in size to that of Hali and Houston. To that point, I view Ejiofor (better and worse) as a combination of the two edge players.

Ejiofor lacks the burst and overall athleticism of Justin Houston. Not a huge knock, since few players can combine the size with the athleticism. However, Ejiofor does show an ability to get to the passer with a combination of moves from either side of the line (he appears to be more explosive from the defensive right side).

And while Ejiofor does appear, at least more athletic then Hali, he’s not quite as powerful or appears to play with as much ‘strength’ as Hali. While physical, Ejiofor sometimes appears to fail to play up to his size. He is caught guessing at times, and when he guesses wrong, can be taken completely out of a play. However, he plays with energy and passion.

Ejiofor is a prospect I view as a contributor in year one while position and strength coaches refine technique and increase ‘game strength’. The Demon Deacon product however has the physical skills and talents to deveop into a contributor on along the front 7 for the Chiefs.

Where would Chiefs likely select him?

Round 3

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