KC Chiefs 7-round Mock Draft: Pass rush becomes early priority

With the 2021 NFL Draft a mere month away, it’s time to start getting a larger picture of what a complete draft class could look like for the K.C. Chiefs. To that end, we thought we’d try out a seven-round mock filled with compensatory picks and all to get a sense of where the value might lie for the Chiefs and what positions can realistically be addressed early.

The Chiefs, at this point, seem likely to enter the draft with a handful of significant needs given the offseason injuries and subsequent releases of both starting offensive tackles from the last few years. The Chiefs already had other positional concerns this offseason to deal with, specifically via the draft in order to inject some areas with youth and cost-controlled talent. However, the offensive line has catapulted to the top of the list.

Along with multiple o-line needs, the Chiefs are likely hoping to address long-term problems with the pass rush, the ceiling at linebacker, the need for another playmaker at wide receiver, depth at cornerback and more.

To generate this draft, we used The Draft Network’s excellent Mock Draft Machine and went to work.

It might disappoint some members of Chiefs Kingdom to see the first overall pick not going toward the myriad issues along the offensive line, but this is a deep class when it comes to linemen, especially on the outside, while the options at defensive end aren’t all that great aside from a select few elite players. Somehow Michigan’s own Kwity Paye fell to the bottom of the first round here, and it felt too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Let’s also be clear: defensive end is arguably as big of a priority as offensive tackle for the Chiefs. Frank Clark has drawn plenty of criticism for failing to generate a sustained pass rush despite being paid elite money on one side of the line. On the other side, the Chiefs lack any proven players and currently have the likes of Taco Charlton and Mike Danna heading into the season. Even if the team brought back some familiar faces from last year in another attempt to “run it back,” is anyone ready to go to war with Alex Okafor or Tanoh Kpassagnon here? I didn’t think so.

As for Paye, he’s going to be an ideal fit for what Steve Spagnuolo wants to do long-term along the line. He’s long and incredibly athletic. He’s powerful and has a strong instinctive burst. He’s also still growing into his ceiling with limited experience, so the best is likely yet to come at the pro level. Considering he’ll be playing with plenty of alumni (he would be the fourth Michigan defensive end on the roster), he’d likely feel right at home at Arrowhead as well.