How much should the Chiefs prioritize each position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Cornerback

A serious argument can be made that, other than Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' cornerback duo of Trent McDuffie and L'Jarius Sneed was the biggest reason they made a successful run to Super Bowl LVIII. Even though Sneed is now with Tennessee, I wouldn't classify corner as an urgent need for the team. Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have played well as depth players and should be ready to compete in more prominent roles.

Though Williams and Watson should each take another step in their development, I still expect the Chiefs to draft a cornerback at some point. It will likely be on day three, but it shouldn't catch anyone off guard if cornerback is the pick at 32.

The Verdict: Medium

Safety

Safety was the hardest position for me to pin down, but I just don't see the Chiefs using a day one or two pick here. Though Justin Reid is entering the final year of his contract, Bryan Cook and Chamarri Conner are solid rotational pieces with starting potential. 2022 draft pick Nazeeh Johnson was also performing well in training camp before his season-ending injury in July.

Given how both Cook and Conner are under contract for two more seasons, plus Justin Reid seems like a possible extension candidate, it doesn't make much sense for the Chiefs to spend a Top 100 pick on a safety. Unless they plan on converting Conner or a safety draft pick to cornerback, like what they did with L'Jarius Sneed in 2020, the team should spend their early picks on other position groups.

The Verdict: Low

Special Teams (Kicker, Punter, Long Snapper)

I won't waste much time here. Harrison Butker will be the kicker for the foreseeable future, the Chiefs just signed Matt Araiza to replace Tommy Townsend as punter, and no team should ever spend a draft pick on a long snapper (no offense to James Winchester).

The Verdict: Low