With The First Pick
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Team Needs

By Jon Dove

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to the media following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to the media following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing playoff run, but are hoping that by addressing a few needs they can go further this year.

Free Agency isn’t one of the Kansas City Chiefs main source of acquiring talent. They instead do a good job draft and developing players. This free agency period was about keeping current talent in place.

Kansas City’s biggest move was signing Eric Berry to a long-term deal. They did lose Dontari Poe to the Atlanta Falcons, but quickly replaced him with Bennie Logan. The Chiefs head into the draft with a similar roster as the end of the season.

Below are the top three needs for the Kansas City Chiefs as they approach the 2017 NFL Draft.

No. 1- Inside Linebacker

Long-time starter, Derrick Johnson, turns 35-years old in the early part of next season. He’s also coming off a major injury. Both these things mean that Johnson’s run with the Chiefs is coming to an end.

More from With the First Pick

Kansas City needs to find a young replacement who can provide some of the same things Johnson did throughout his career. A key will be landing someone who can hold up in coverage. Florida’s Jarrad Davis would be an early-round option come draft time.

No. 2- Running Back

Cutting Jamaal Charles was a tough decision but one the team felt they needed to make. They have been able to get by with Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. However, they need someone with more explosiveness to truly replace Charles.

The Chiefs offense isn’t a big-play attack and routinely counted on Charles to be a source of those explosive plays. Tyreek Hill is now the main guy in that department, but another option is needed.

This year’s draft is deep at the running back position. The Chiefs could land someone like Tennessee’s Alvin Kamara at the end of the 1st round or take a risk on Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon in the 2nd.

No. 3- Cornerback

Marcus Peters had another terrific season and continues to be a turnover machine. His play making ability has forced teams to attack the other side of the field. The likes of Phillip Gaines and Steven Nelson have been exposed from time to time.

If opposing offenses continue to avoid Peters it will negate his best attribute– creating turnovers. Kansas City needs to find someone capable of making their side of the field just as dangerous. The 2017 NFL Draft has several options that fit that bill.

Home/NFL Draft News