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2021 NFL mock draft: How the first round could play out for K.C. Chiefs

By Logan Lazarczyk

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

7. Detroit Lions: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

Detroit is in a tough spot at receiver due to the fact that Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, and Mohamed Sanu are all impending free agents. The Lions did not use the franchise tag on Golladay, creating a lot of doubt that he will be back in a Lions’ uniform. Devonta Smith is a polished receiver who lacks size, but consistently creates separation with his route-running ability. The Lions need help at multiple positions, but Smith is the best player available at this selection.

8. Houston Texans (via trade with Carolina): QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State

This is the first trade that alters the draft. Houston will trade Deshaun Watson to Carolina for the eighth overall pick, Teddy Bridgewater, and future first-round picks. Trey Lance will be allowed to compete for the starting job or sit part of the season behind Teddy Bridgewater. Lance will be the future for the Texans and Houston will start their inevitable rebuild once they trade Watson. North Dakota State ran a pro-style system and Lance excelled in the system. Lance may be the unknown quarterback in the draft because of the lack of starts he made in college. This past season, North Dakota State played only one game due to the pandemic. However, that should not scare teams away from selecting Lance. The North Dakota State product has the potential to become a very solid quarterback in the NFL.

9. Denver Broncos: CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama

Denver should look into Mac Jones here, but apparently, the Broncos want to wait and see with Drew Lock. In a division where they will have to go up against Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr, a quarterback would not be a terrible option. However, the Broncos need someone in the secondary.

Surtain is a well-disciplined defensive back that will give Denver some help on the back end. According to Pro Football Network, “Surtain stays with assignments, remains disciplined, and has a nice move to the throw. He effectively covers receivers on crossing patterns, and works to get his head back around and locate the pass in the air.”

We will have to see how Lock plays this upcoming season, but other than quarterback, Denver’s offense is formidable. Surtain is a player who will cause some issues for  the Chiefs, but Kansas City possesses a number of weapons to exploit Denver’s defense. The Broncos will be a threat to the Chiefs if they connect on the offensive side of the ball. However, this is a very solid pick for Denver as they bring together Surtain and Justin Simmons in their secondary.

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