Coming into the 2017 NFL Draft, many consider the Kansas City Chiefs the team to beat in the AFC West. After all, they are the reigning division champions. However, if not for an injury to Oakland Raiders star QB, Derek Carr, we would be talking about them as the champions. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are a team worthy of high praise.
Looking at their 2017 draft, they could also take on some praise. They addressed some needs and even drafted for the future.
Let us look at how the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs draft was. We will also give them a final grade in the end.
Round One – From Buffalo Bills
Patrick Mahomes II – QB, Texas Tech
The young QB out of Texas Tech goes into an ideal situation. The situation is ideal because of Head Coach, Andy Reed, and incumbent QB Alex Smith. They will allow Mahomes II to sit and learn the NFL game. It may also allow him to play some in his first year. However, Mahomes II will not have to have the wolves eating him.
Mahomes II is a strong-armed QB with a gunslinger’s mentality. He also has surprisingly good feet in the pocket. Additionally, Mahomes II can make any throw in the pro game. The Kansas City Chiefs will have to work on his footwork from under center. Overall, I think the Chiefs did well with this pick.
Round Two
Tanoh Kpassagnon – DE, Villanova
The Chiefs had a hole on their defensive line with the loss of DT Dontari Poe. Although Kpassagnon is not a DT, he allows the Chiefs defensive coordinator to be creative with other lineman. The signing of Bennie Logan allows for this pick.
Kpassagnon is a freak of nature. However, he is raw. He lacks natural pass rushing talent. Also, needs to pack on some pounds. Although his big frame should allow for this. Not to mention, he has a history of blocking kicks. This could land him on the special team unit.
Round Three – From Minnesota Vikings through Miami Dolphins
Kareem Hunt – RB, Toledo
The Kansas City Chiefs fill another need. They recently chose not to sign long time veteran Jamaal Charles. In 2016, they used running back by committee. Now they can add Hunt to that committee.
Hunt has tremendous vision. In addition to his vision, Hunt has great feet and hips to make people miss in the backfield. Likewise, he is a solid downhill runner. Finally, he has adequate hands to participate in the passing game.
Round Four – Compensatory From Vikings
Jehu Chesson – WR, Michigan
The Chiefs have struggled in the past with the passing game. The growth of him will be key for the offense in future. Furthermore, he has a big body to be able to block out defenders. Lastly, he loves to engage in downfield blocking.
Round Five – Compensatory Pick from Patriots
Ukeme Eligwe – LB, Georgia Southern
Eligwe is a solid fit for the 3-4 scheme of the Kansas City Chiefs. He has the abilities to cover TEs when called upon. Moreover, he has an innate ability to get to the QB. Especially on the blitz. A solid showing in camp could land him on the roster. In all, his chances are probably on the practice squad.
Round Six – Compensatory Pick
Leon McQuay III – S, USC
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted McQuay to be a core piece on the special team unit. Although he has the abilities to contribute, he will have to buy his time. The issue is that he is a tweener. He has great ball skills but his tackling skills raise questions.
The defending AFC West Champions will be back in that picture again. Since this draft has no immediate impact, the grade is a bit lower. Forasmuch as the Chiefs will contend in 2017, this class will allow them to contend for future years as well.
Draft Grade – B-