Marcus Simms is most likely prospect in supplemental draft class for Chiefs

If the Kansas City Chiefs are going to make a move in the supplemental draft on Wednesday—a big if—then it would likely be for wide receiver Marcus Simms.

If the Kansas City Chiefs are going to make a move today for a new player in the NFL’s annual supplemental draft, then it’s likely going to focus in on just one of the five available prospects: West Virginia wide receiver Marcus Simms.

There are four other prospects than Simms hoping to get picked or at least picked up this week, a list that includes Washington State safety Jalen Thompson, St. Francis defensive back Bryant Perry, Syracuse linebacker Shyheim Cullen, and JuCo tight end Devonaire Clarington. However, given the draft value and pre-draft activity, Simms is the only semi-obvious play for the Chiefs.

More from Arrowhead Addict

Thompson, the safety, is the most highly regarded player in the draft, but the Chiefs should consider themselves a longshot here. Given that Thompson has drawn second-to-third round grades from draft analysts, the reality is that the Chiefs should only put in a flyer for a late round pick in case they can get him at a great value. Simply put, the Chiefs aren’t in good position for Thompson.

The team has already completely renovated the safety position this offseason in terms of starters, and safety is actually one position on the team that doesn’t need any attention. The Chiefs already installed Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill via major investments in free agency and the draft, respectively. To add to that, the Chiefs also have impressive depth, even after flipping safety Eric Murray to the Cleveland Browns for pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.

Instead, the Chiefs are most likely to invest in Simms, the only other draftable prospect per most analysts. Clarington, Perry and Cullen could latch on with a team via free agency but Simms and Thompson are the only likely draftees on Wednesday and even Simms isn’t a sure thing. Dane Brugler has him ranked between rounds 5-7, but we’ve all seen heralded prospects slide multiple rounds on draft day .

It’s important to note the Chiefs have done their homework on Simms, so clearly the tape alone warranted a closer look from the perspective of those working in the team’s front office. The team also has a nice competition going for the final couple spots at wideout and having a long-term prospect in Simms would work well with the timing of how other players are likely going to exit. Chris Conley already left this past spring and De’Anthony Thomas hit free agency. Demarcus Robinson is scheduled to be a free agent next spring, and Sammy Watkins will be free one year later than that.

All of this means the Chiefs could use some developmental youth at wide receiver, whether they get it in Simms this summer or in the draft next spring. Byron Pringle hopes to provide a part of that answer, and Mecole Hardman’s presence keeps the talent fresh up top. But the Chiefs need to keep a pipeline of talent flowing at the position, and they could invest enough in Simms to bring him in to help uphold that flow.

Next. Full Tyreek Hill audio exposes KCTV-5's failures. dark

Simms, a, 6’0, 195 lb. prospect, had 46 catches for 699 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns last season for the Mountaineers.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Draft