Some teams need more help at the draft than others…it’s just a fact. The NFL strives for parity to even the playing field as much as they can. The better teams obviously draft later, while the lesser teams pick earlier in every round. It’s funny, though, how some teams are constantly near the top of the draft board each year..teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets come to mind.
When you have been to the Superbowl three consecutive years, winning two of them, you’d think you wouldn’t need much in the draft. But that’s not the case for the Kansas City Chiefs. This most recent Superbowl against the Philadelphia Eagles did reveal that there are definitely chinks in the armor of invincibility.
They were somewhat dominated in the game, and, for their fantastic regular season record of 15-2, their pt. differential told a different story. They only outscored their opponents by 3.4 pts per game. That is unsustainable for long-term success. The 2024 season was a bit of smoke and mirrors for Andy Reid’s bunch.
Last year, they had to resort to Joe Thuney at left tackle, and although he was serviceable, he was overwhelmed against Philly’s front four. Thuney was traded in the offseason. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is imperative…offensive line help is a priority. They did sign Jaylon Moore, but they need more help than just him to protect the franchise.
And for all of Mahomes greatness, he does need targets to get the ball to. They only scored 22.6 pts per game this past season. They can definitely use a facelift at their skill positions. Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are serviceable running backs, but neither is particularly dynamic. Xavier Worthy and his blistering speed could prove to be special, but Rashee Rice and Skyy Moore are average at best. And when you keep Hollywood Brown and keep bringing back Ju Ju Smith-Shuster, you know you are thin at wide receiver.
And then there is the issue with their tight end. Travis Kelce is a top 5 all-time TE, but he’s on the back nine. Let’s face it, he may be walking down the fairway on the 18th hole at this point. He’s 35 years old, and the rumblings of retirement have grown louder and louder as of late. This very well could be his last season…at most, he’s got two more years in him.
The Chiefs have four picks in the top 100. They have the 31st, 63rd, 66th, and 95th picks in this year’s draft. The top TE in this year’s draft is Tyler Warren from Penn St. He’s 6’6 and weighs 260lbs. He resembles Kelce in many ways. He’s big, he’s quick, he’s agile, he has great hands, and is a good route runner. And unlike Kelce, he even blocks well…which is an added benefit for your TE to have. He’s projected to go in the 20s and many don’t feel he’ll get past the Broncos at no.20.
Tampa Bay is sitting at no.19. The Chiefs should move up 12 spots and snatch Warren away from Sean Payton and the Broncos. Based on the draft board trade chart, the difference to move up 12 spots is 88pts. The Chiefs no.63 pick in the second-round is worth 82pts. That’s all it may take. And if not, an additional late-round pick this year or next will surely get the deal done.
If Warren turns out to be the next Kelce for Mahomes, he will be his safety valve and security blanket for the next decade. And although that is an awfully high bar if he can be 75% of what Kelce has been, it will still be a home run for the Chiefs…well, more like a Touchdown.
If they pull off this trade, they’ll still have one of those picks in the 60s. That is where left tackle Anthony Belton from NC State is projected to be selected. He is perfect for the Chiefs at this spot. Belton is a monster, at 6’6, 345lbs, and at his size, is surprisingly quick and nimble. His power generates momentum, and when he gets moving, he’s constantly moving forward, often resulting in a pancake block.
If the Chiefs can end up with Warren and Belton with their first two picks, their dynasty could rival The Patriots’ two-decade run.
