2022 NFL Draft quick guide for KC Chiefs fans

Defensive end

Ideally, if you’re running an NFL team, you are always drafting value. It’s nice to be able to sit comfortably and choose the best player available, but that’s not always the case. The Chiefs find themselves needing a defensive end in the worst way. The pass rush was frustratingly inept at times in 2021, and there are holes left from free agency that have not been remedied. The team currently employs Frank Clark (who restructured his contract this spring), Mike Danna, and Joshua Kaindoh on the edge. That’s it. Melvin Ingram is still a free agent, and the team appears set to move on from Alex Okafor, whose contract also expired this spring. If you do any searching for mock drafts at all, you’ll see the Chiefs selecting at least one (sometimes more) edge rusher in the top 50 picks every time.

The general consensus is that there are four elite defensive ends that are going to be out of the Chiefs’ price range. Aidan Hutchinson, Travon Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Jermaine Johnson are expected to be top-12 picks. Could the Chiefs trade up that high? Yes, but the cost would be extremely high. It’s much more likely the Chiefs go with the next tier of edge rushers, such as George Karlaftis, Boye Mafe, or Arnold Ebiketie.

Cornerback

The Chiefs also have depth issues at cornerback. Charvarius Ward’s departure to San Francisco left a bigger hole than you might think, but if Ward’s development as a pro is any indicator of the Chiefs’ ability to bring up the next guy, the Chiefs might not pick a corner very high. Veach has typically shied away from top-100 picks at corner, and the team currently has L’Jarius Sneed (4th round pick), Rashad Fenton (6th round pick), and Deandre Baker (UFA, former 1st-round pick by the Giants) currently atop the depth chart. While the Chiefs might not feel a pressing need to take a corner early, they will likely address the position at some point in the first four rounds. But if Veach bucks the trend and takes a corner in Round 1, some names to watch for would be Kaiir Elam, Andrew Booth, and Kyler Gordon.

Wide receiver

This is an area in which the Chiefs are likely to take a player early. Smith-Schuster, Valdes-Scantling, and Corey Coleman have been signed to replace the departed Hill, Demarcus Robinson, and Byron Pringle. The Chiefs also have Mecole Hardman entering the final year of his contract, as well as ancillary pieces in Daurice Fountain, Cornell Powell, and Josh Gordon. The team’s strength is obviously its passing attack; led by Andy Reid and his acumen in the passing game, as well as star players Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and an offensive line that transformed into a top-ten unit in 2021, the team has the parts on offense to contend right now. But with the market on wide receivers blimping to exorbitant prices this offseason, do not be surprised if Veach and Reid see the need to pair Mahomes with a star wideout (on a rookie contract) to be the next big-name pass catcher in a Chiefs uniform as the All Pro signal-caller enters his prime.

The good news here is, this draft is absolutely loaded with playmaking wide receivers. So whether Kansas City takes one early (might have to move up a few picks for Chris Olave, could select Treylon Burks, George Pickens, or Jahan Dotson), or in Round 2 (Skyy Moore, Christian Watson, John Metchie), they should be able to get the guy who fits what they want in a rookie receiver. The great news is, there is still plenty of talent in the later rounds at this position as well.

Safety

The Chiefs lost three of their four active safeties (Tyrann Mathieu is still on the free agent market, Daniel Sorensen signed with the Saints, and Armani Watts signed with the Colts). The only remaining safety from 2021, Juan Thornhill, will be entering his contract year this season. The Chiefs did sign Justin Reid to a hefty contract and he is expected to fill Mathieu’s shoes as a leader in the back end of the defense. Deon Bush, primarily a special teamer, was signed to replace Watts. But it’s important to keep in mind, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves using three safeties in the nickel, and with Sorensen gone, the team still needs to add one more capable safety in the middle rounds.

It’s not as big a need, but if the Chiefs do select a safety in Round 1, they could go with Lewis Cine or Daxton Hill. It really depends on how urgently they view the importance of filling the Sorensen role.

Linebacker

The Chiefs have spent a 2nd round pick on a linebacker in the last two drafts, Willie Gay in 2020 and Nick Bolton in 2021. Those two are on a trajectory to play major roles in 2022, in particular after the release of veteran Anthony Hitchens. Both Hitchens and Ben Niemann played a big chunk of snaps in 2021, so while the team does have depth concerns at linebacker, it’s not a position in which I expect the team to spend a high selection.

There are a lot of linebackers to like in the middle rounds of this draft. Some names to watch for in Rounds 3 and 4 would include Channing Tindall, Troy Andersen, Brandon Smith, Jesse Luketa, and Jojo Domann.

A few other positions in which the Chiefs may look to add depth: Offensive tackle, defensive tackle, running back and tight end. The Chiefs have starters in place at each of these positions, so they’re certainly not high need, but the team could definitely add another talented young player to the roster if the value is right.

Positions that are not expected to be pursued: Quarterback, interior offensive line, special teams. The Chiefs are sitting pretty at these positions and any expenditure of draft picks would be a luxury pick and nothing more.