What if the KC Chiefs hadn’t picked a first-round running back?

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

If you like dead horses, you’re going to be thrilled with the latest episode of the Arrowhead Addict podcast. That’s because, with the K.C. Chiefs on the verge of another offseason filled with activity, some of us can’t help but wonder what this spring would be like if they’d gone with another position in the first round of last year’s draft.

If you’ll remember, the Chiefs made waves last year by selecting the first running back in the entire draft class at No. 32 overall in LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The pick was immediately polarizing for many in Chiefs Kingdom, although really none of the dust-up was about Edwards-Helaire as a person or player. In fact, the buzz around him as the draft’s most pro-ready back was spot-on, and he’s likely going to enjoy a long, productive career with the Chiefs. His hands, agility, vision, toughness, and character make him a vital offensive cog going forward.

But remember this: the Chiefs chose a running back with their only first-round pick actually used in the draft since Patrick Mahomes was selected. Thanks to that trade and the Frank Clark deal, the Chiefs haven’t had impact draft picks for their use in some time, and it was a bit of a head-scratcher, then, to use it on a position that’s most easily filled.

A conversation about this offseason for the K.C. Chiefs if they’d not selected a running back.

Consider what this offseason might look like if the Chiefs instead chose one of the draft’s best interior linemen or pass rushers at that spot instead. Would we be discussing a potential return for Sammy Watkins if Brett Veach had taken Tee Higgins instead? What would our o-line worries be if Robert Hunt was the pick? Would fans feel differently about defensive end if Yetur Gross-Matos were on the roster?

What’s done is done, but we still wanted to have the conversation anyway. And if you don’t like that, then stay for our tributes to Anthony Sherman and our best guest and other surprise retirements. It’s all here on the latest episode of the Arrowhead Addict podcast.

You can click the above player to hear the latest chat about all things Chiefs. You can also check us out Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Stitcher, or search in your favorite podcast player. Go Chiefs!

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