Kansas City Chiefs: 7 Players worth trading up for in Round 1
By Grant Tuttle
Brett Veach has never been afraid to trade up in the draft for a guy that he likes. Today, we give you a list of players that would be worth trading up for.
The Kansas City Chiefs have had sustained success due, in part, to general manager Brett Veach’s willingness to make big moves. Veach has never been shied away from moving up in the draft to select a player that he likes a lot.
This has been the case multiple times and has proven to be a mixed bag. While it was smart for the Chiefs to move up to nab Trent McDuffie last year, they also moved up to select Breeland Speaks early in the second round in 2018.
Today, we give you a list of seven players that would be worth trading draft capital for and expecting great things from at the NFL level. We will also provide an explanation for why a player may fall far enough to be in range for the Chiefs to trade for and what that range may be.
1. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Why he’s worth the risk:
While Quentin Johnston is somewhat polarizing, his potential is undeniable. While some analysts seem to prefer Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnson is a tremendous pairing with Patrick Mahomes. Johnston’s understanding of leverage and natural athleticism would make him an immediate impact player for the present and the future.
A wide receiver room that features Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Johnston would be one with a number of different skill sets and versatility. Johnston would be an upgrade and immediate fit for Kansas City.
Why he could fall:
There are a number of receivers that are projected to go in the first round. It’s not out of the question that Zay Flowers or Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the first ones off of the board. To some General Managers, they might appear as a safer option. Johnston might also fall if a bunch of quarterbacks are taken at the top of the first round.
Where is the “sweet spot” for moving up?: #15-#20
Johnston may fall, but there is very little chance that he falls past 20 overall. It is important to remember, however, that if Kansas City wants to trade up to anywhere near 13, it would cost considerable compensation. The Chiefs would feel much more comfortable with what they would have to give up to get to pick 17 or so.