The Kansas City Chiefs have not had high draft picks in recent years, but there is value to be had in the later picks or latter half of any given round.
Players like guard Trey Smith, running back Isiah Pacheco, and defensive end Mike Danna are just a few value options general manager Brett Veach has identified in the draft's later rounds. That was not always the case for the championship-winning general manager though.
Let's take a look at Veach's worst picks in his relatively short tenure, which featured some growing pains to currently tenured players.
Honorable Mention: LB Dorian O'Daniel
Dorian O'Daniel joined the Chiefs as the 100th overall pick (third round) in the 2018 NFL Draft. The draft investment, coupled with strong tape and a good NFL combine performance, set high expectations for him in Kansas City. Unfortunately, those expectations were never met.
The initial excitement surrounding O'Daniel's potential to strengthen the Chiefs' defense was high. His skills appeared to align perfectly with the team's requirements, especially in coverage and space movement. There were even comparisons to Kam Chancellor, reflecting his size and athletic capabilities.
In his rookie season, O'Daniel made significant contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs, both on special teams and on defense. He played a total of 292 snaps on special teams and 311 snaps on defense over 16 games, recording 34 tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery. However, an ankle injury caused him to miss both of Kansas City's playoff games that season.
O'Daniel was almost an exclusive special teams player following his rookie year, only playing 39 defensive snaps from 2019-2021. On the flip side, he played in 894 special teams snaps in that span. Yeah, Dave Toub probably liked the guy. Over his career, O'Daniel played 58 games. Despite his limited defensive playtime, he was part of a Super Bowl-winning team during his time with the Chiefs.
Given the high expectations set by his draft position, his limited role on defense, and his significant contributions on special teams, one could argue that O'Daniel didn't meet the typical expectations for a third-round draft pick.
While not every draft pick turns out to be a star, and O'Daniel did contribute on special teams, his lack of impact on defense and the limited opportunities he received suggests that he didn't fully meet the Chiefs' expectations when they drafted him. Considering his draft position, it's not unreasonable to label O'Daniel as a draft bust.
5. S Armani Watts
Armani Watts, selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, entered the league with a reputation as a versatile and athletic safety from Texas A&M. His college career as a four-year starter and his ball-hawking skills led to high expectations, with some analysts suggesting he could be one of the best safeties from his draft class and even a potential steal.
Despite concerns over his injury history, size, and tackling ability, his ball skills and field awareness were highly regarded. Comparisons were made to established NFL players like Devin McCourty, indicating his potential upside.
However, over his career with the Chiefs, Watts primarily contributed on special teams and had limited impact on defense. In total, he played 53 games, recording 58 combined tackles and 2 sacks. While he was part of a Super Bowl-winning team, his contributions did not align with the typical expectations for a fourth-round draft pick.
Watts did win a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, redeeming his legacy a bit. However, he has not played with another franchise for a reason. His draft slot did not carry immense expectations, but Kansas City has pulled better results from their recent Day 3 picks than Watts. Well, outside of the next two players.
4. OL Darian Kinnard
Darian Kinnard, an offensive tackle from Kentucky, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. With a massive frame at 6-5 and over 320 pounds, Kinnard was noted for his strength and ability to move defenders in the running game. His 35-inch arms and mauler-type playing style made him a formidable force on the field, particularly in run blocking. However, he never saw much opportunity to maul the opposition.
Coming off an All-American season, Kinnard was initially projected as a first-round pick, but he slid to the fifth round. Kentucky associate coach Vince Marrow believed that Kinnard was undervalued and overthought by NFL personnel, and he expressed confidence that Kinnard would have a successful NFL career.
However, Kinnard's career with the Chiefs was limited to just one game, and he is currently not with the team, having moved to the Philadelphia Eagles. He still has time to carve out an NFL career, but it likely will not be with the Chiefs. After hoping that he could be an NFL starter, he hasn't come close to that yet.
Given the expectations set by his college performance and the initial projections, Kinnard's limited playtime and lack of impact with the Chiefs could lead to the perception that he has not lived up to his potential.
3. DE Joshua Kaindoh
Joshua Kaindoh entered the NFL with a mix of high expectations and cautionary skepticism. As a former five-star recruit with an impressive athletic profile, Kaindoh was anticipated to bring a significant impact to the Chiefs' defense. His physical traits, including size, length, and strength, were well-suited for the defensive end position in Steve Spagnuolo's system. However, his college career at Florida State was marred by injuries and coaching changes, which affected his development and performance.
Despite the potential he showed early in his collegiate career, Kaindoh's underwhelming production raised concerns about his ability to transition to the professional level. The Chiefs took a chance on him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, hoping their coaching staff could develop his raw talent. Scouts noted his ability to set the edge and convert speed to power but also pointed out his unpolished technique and lack of endurance.
Kaindoh's time with the Chiefs was brief and limited. He played in only three games during his rookie campaign and was consistently outperformed by other players on the depth chart, including undrafted free agent Malik Herring. His lack of availability, due to either injuries or competition, hindered his ability to contribute to the team.
Ultimately, the Chiefs released Kaindoh before the start of the regular season in his third year. This move, coupled with his limited playtime and impact, suggests that Kaindoh did not meet the expectations set for him when he was drafted. While some may still hold out hope that he could be a late bloomer, his current status as a free agent indicates that he has not yet found a role in the NFL where he can showcase the potential that once made him a highly-touted recruit.
Given the combination of his athletic potential, the limited opportunities to demonstrate his abilities, and his eventual release from the Chiefs, it is reasonable to consider Kaindoh's current NFL career trajectory as not living up to the initial expectations, leading to his bust label.
2. WR Skyy Moore
Skyy Moore's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs has been underwhelming, to say the least. His rookie season was lackluster, with a mere 22 receptions for 250 yards and not a single touchdown to his name. For a player picked in the second round, this is a disappointing return, particularly in an offense as potent as the Chiefs.
Injuries have plagued Moore's short NFL career, with a hamstring issue during a rookie minicamp and a hand injury later on. However, these setbacks don't fully excuse his poor performance on the field. His route running and separation from defenders have been areas of concern, and while there's room for improvement, the progress has been slow.
Moore's inability to make a significant impact has been a glaring issue for the Chiefs, who have suffered from inconsistent production from their wide receivers. Moore's performance has not justified their faith in him. His stats are dismal, with his 2023 production showing little growth.
The Chiefs' passing game has been hampered by Moore's lackluster performance, with other receivers also dropping crucial passes and making costly mistakes. It's clear that Moore has not lived up to the expectations set for him, and his future with the team is uncertain.
In summary, Moore's time in the NFL has been a letdown. His inability to capitalize on his draft position and the opportunities given to him has been a significant disappointment for the Kansas City Chiefs. With the team now considering his replacement, it's evident that Moore has not been the player they hoped he would be.
1. DE Breeland Speaks
Breeland Speaks' story is a cautionary tale in the NFL. Drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Speaks arrived with high expectations. However, his time in Kansas City was far from successful, leading to his draft bust label.
In his rookie season, Speaks played in all games, even starting a few. However, his performances were far from the level expected of a second-round pick. He managed only 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a single forced fumble. These numbers are a stark reminder of his lackluster impact on the field.
His career took a further hit when he sustained an ACL tear in a preseason game, causing him to miss two whole seasons. Injuries can derail any player's career, and for Speaks, it was no different. The inability to stay healthy and contribute effectively on the field began to cast doubts over his future with the Chiefs.
Eventually, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Speaks. His release in 2020 was a clear sign of the team's dissatisfaction with his contributions. The fact that he was not claimed on waivers and didn't even make it to the Chiefs' practice squad further underlined his fall from grace.
Speaks' underwhelming performance had a significant impact on the Chiefs' draft strategy. It served as a wake-up call for general manager Brett Veach, who learned the hard way about the pitfalls of overestimating a player's potential. The 2018 draft class, headlined by Speaks, is considered one of the worst drafts for the Chiefs in recent memory.
Post-Chiefs, Speaks had brief and unsuccessful stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. His inability to make an impact with any other team further cemented his status as a draft bust.
In conclusion, Speaks' journey in the NFL is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. From his disappointing performances and injury struggles to his release from the Chiefs and subsequent unsuccessful attempts to find a role with other teams, Speaks is now seen as a draft bust. His story serves as a warning about the risks involved in drafting players based on potential rather than proven ability or a good fit within a team's system.