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2022 NFL Draft quick guide for KC Chiefs fans

By Scott Loring

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 20: Treylon Burks #16 of the Arkansas Razorbacks stiff arms Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide on the way to scoring a touchdown during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 20: Treylon Burks #16 of the Arkansas Razorbacks stiff arms Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide on the way to scoring a touchdown during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

If you are looking for a last-minute starter kit to get you (or the Chiefs fan in your life) ready for the draft, then you’re in the right place.

The 2022 NFL Draft is this week, and most NFL die-hards are combing through prospect evaluations, mock drafts, and their social media feeds looking for the latest rumors. If you’re reading this and already know who Chad Muma is, then this reading is not for you. Maybe forward it along to your buddy who roots for the Chiefs but can’t name all of the team’s assistant coaches like you can.

Truth is, some NFL fans prefer to wait and watch the cards fall. The thought of getting to know hundreds of draft propects (most of which will go to one of the other 31 teams) is daunting. But, this year’s draft is unique for the Chiefs.

First things first: The Chiefs are a major player in the 2022 draft because of the Tyreek Hill trade, in which the Miami Dolphins acquired the All Pro wide receiver in exchange for five draft picks over the course of the next two seasons:

  • 2022 1st round pick (#29 overall)
  • 2022 2nd round pick (#50 overall)
  • 2022 4th round pick (#121 overall)
  • 2023 4th round pick
  • 2023 6th round pick

The trade left a gaping hole in the offense. There’s simply no replacing Hill, the most explosive weapon in the NFL. Long story short, the Chiefs could not bridge the gap in contract extension, and in a matter of hours, Hill was a Dolphin. The Chiefs would later acquire two veteran receivers that should be instant contributors in Juju Smith Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That said, the team still has need at the position, and we’ll get into that shortly.

The draft capital that the Chiefs gained in the Hill trade affords GM Brett Veach the type freedom in the draft that he has not had for a few seasons. Historically, Veach has displayed tendencies to identify and get his guy, even if that means moving up just a few picks in order to do it (e.g. Breeland Speaks, Derrick Nnadi, Mecole Hardman, Noah Gray).

Besides wide receiver, the Chiefs have several needs that should be addressed in the draft. We’ll unpack those next.

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