Checking out the K.C. Chiefs report card from 2021 NFL Draft
The K.C. Chiefs completed their busy offseason with the NFL Draft over the weekend. Most teams would probably view the draft as a success, and there were only a few teams who did not take advantage of their picks. The Chiefs are one of those teams who nailed the draft process, and despite not having a first-round pick, Kansas City was able to grab excellent talent. It seemed that every round the Chiefs hit on great value, and had a number of players fall into their laps who should have gone earlier.
Round 2, Pick 58: LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
When the Chiefs traded for Orlando Brown ]Jr., they were also able to acquire the 58th overall pick from the Baltimore Ravens. When the first round ended, there was a lot of talent that was still on the board and a few players that many thought would not be available on day two of the draft. There could be an argument that Nick Bolton was one of those players.
Coming into the draft, Bolton was viewed as a late first-round, early second round talent. However, he managed to slip into the late second round—all the way to the Chiefs at No. 58 overall. During his time at Missouri, Bolton showed the ability to drop back in coverage, yet he also possessed the quickness to track down running backs. Despite being undersized at 5’11”, the Missouri product was incredibly productive and led the SEC in tackles and run stops over the last two seasons.
The Chiefs defense has been vulnerable to the run game in recent years, and given Bolton’s profile, Anthony Hitchens should be out the door after the 2021 season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves having speed and aggressiveness on that side of the ball. Pairing Bolton with Willie Gay Jr. could be exactly what the Chiefs are looking for: sideline-to-sideline speed and having the ability to drop back and cover on third down. In addition, Chris Jones and Jarran Reed should attract an abundance of attention, allowing Bolton to go unblocked, hitting the open holes and stifling the opponent’s rushing attack.
Bolton is a perfect fit for the type of defense that Spagnuolo runs and should be an upgrade over Hitchens. Coming into the draft, the Chiefs only had two reliable linebackers, so this makes a lot of sense for Kansas City.
Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 63: Center Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Drafting Creed Humphrey at pick 63 is a no-brainer and one I cannot argue with. Humphrey should be an instant impact player for Kansas City and he should win the starting center job over Austin Blythe, who signed a one-year deal earlier in the offseason.
The two-time Big 12 offensive lineman of the year has the ability to anchor an offensive line for multiple years at the next level. Humphrey was widely viewed as the second best center in this draft class behind Landon Dickerson, and he should give the Chiefs the long-term stability they are looking for in front of Patrick Mahomes. The Oklahoma product did not allow a sack in 37 starts as a Sooner.
Humphrey possesses athleticism and dominates at the point of attack. If he gets his hands on a defender there is a good chance that defender will be unable to get to Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have revamped the offensive line and overwhelmingly accomplished their goal of keeping Mahomes clean in the pocket.
Kansas City’s offensive line has two expensive options with Joe Thuney, who is already signed, and Brown, who will be looking for major compensation next offseason, but overall, the offensive line will be fairly cheap. The Chiefs have built one of the deepest offensive line groups in the league, giving them flexibility to manufacture the front five to their liking.
Grade: A