What is the expected impact of the Kansas City Chiefs draft class?
By Matt Conner
What should we expect from the rookies in this year’s Chiefs draft class?
The Kansas City Chiefs had a first round pick for the first time in years in the 2020 NFL Draft. After trades to move up for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and import defensive end Frank Clark, the Chiefs went without first round picks in both 2018 and 2019, meaning this year’s draft class should be expected to make a bigger impact overall than those in recent years.
At the same time, this year’s rookie class could also be inhibited by the lack of a typical on-ramp to the pro level. Rookie minicamps never happened. Offseason training activities were altered or cancelled. Meetings have been digital. Workouts have been limited. Even now, there are now preseason games in which to apply the lessons learned in practice.
Last season, the Chiefs might not have had a first round selection but both second-round picks stood tall by season’s end. Mecole Hardman was a beautiful addition to an offense already in expert mode in spreading the field. He averaged 20.7 yards/pass and looked like another strong deep target for Mahomes.
Juan Thornhill was an experienced safety from Virginia who was a significant of Brett Veach’s efforts to completely remake the position. Together with Tyrann Mathieu, Thornhill reversed the Chiefs ills at safety from 2018 and gave them a Week 1 starter who should be an above average performer for years to come.
What exactly should we expect from this year’s rookie class for the Chiefs? How much room is there for rookie impact on a loaded roster intent on running it back? Let’s take a closer look at each draft pick and how he might have a chance to really step up and help in 2020.