How much should the Chiefs prioritize each position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Running Back
Isiah Pacheco is still under contract for two more years, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire just re-signed for one more season. Even so, Kansas City would be wise to bring in another player to supplement the two this season. Pacheco plays a style of football that is prone to injuries and Edwards-Helaire is a low-upside number two. The team usually prefers to have three solid options at their disposal and a cost-controlled draft pick may be the correct path. They shouldn't use a 1st or 2nd round pick on the position, but a 3rd rounder could be warranted if the price is right.
The Verdict: Medium
Wide Receiver
There's a non-zero chance that Chiefs fans will revolt if the team doesn't use a day one or two pick on a wide receiver later this month. Given how inadequate the group was for a lot of last season and the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice, they need to add talent at the position. Marquise Brown is a nice addition, but he's on a 1-year deal and has had issues staying healthy the past two years.
Since Kansas City now has Brown and Rice (even with the cloudy long-term futures), they're no longer under significant pressure to draft a wideout in the 1st round and don't have to reach on a player if the value isn't there. If the right fit is available at 32, they shouldn't be afraid to make the pick. If not, they shouldn't feel obliged to address another position on day one. This is a historically strong wide receiver draft class and the Chiefs should take advantage.
The Verdict: High
Tight End
Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but he's scheduled to turn 35 in October and failed to secure a 1,000 season for the first time since 2015. Noah Gray is a solid depth option, but he's scheduled to be a free agent and isn't a starting-caliber player. The same can be said for Irv Smith Jr.
The problem for the Chiefs is that this year's tight-end class isn't a particularly strong one. Brock Bowers is perhaps the best prospect at the position in over a decade, but he should be long gone by pick 32. Ja'Tavion Sanders is a good prospect but KC shouldn't use a first-round pick on him. If Kansas City were to use an early selection on a tight end, last year was their best chance.
Given how much of a long-term need that tight end is, the team could draft one, but they shouldn't force it since this class lacks quality prospects.
The Verdict: Medium
Let's get a closer look at the state of things in the trenches.