Chiefs NFL Draft Preview: How The Chiefs Might Use Their Picks

So far this offseason, the Chiefs have made a lot of noise. The team shocked the NFL world by trading star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins earlier in March. As we enter April, the NFL world will turn its attention to the NFL Draft. 

This year, the Chiefs have 12 draft picks (no team has more). By trading Hill, general manager Brett Veach has already shown that he is willing to be aggressive and do what he believes is best to keep the Chiefs at the top of the AFC and NFL. Let’s take a look at how the Chiefs might plan to use their draft capital in this year’s draft. 

Defensive Needs 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs most glaring needs are at cornerback, edge rusher, and linebacker. With two first round picks (#29 and #30) don’t be surprised if the Chiefs choose to address their interior defense. Many mock draft boards concur. Names to look out for include Perrion Winfrey (DT, Oklahoma), David Ojabo (Edge, Michigan), and Boye Mafe (Edge, Minnesota). 

The Chiefs have not used a top-60 pick on a cornerback since drafting Marcus Peters in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. We are leaning towards the Chiefs continuing this trend but don’t be surprised if the Chiefs look to use an early second round pick to help build their defensive backfield. Jaylen Watson (CB, Washington State) would be a nick pickup if he’s available in the second round. Watson has impressed scouts with his length, speed and physicality. 

In addition to taking a linebacker, the Chiefs also could look to draft a safety or a cornerback/safety hybrid. In short, the defensive backfield needs to be bolstered ahead of the regular season and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs used draft picks on both a safety and a cornerback. 

Offensive Needs

The most obvious position that needs to be retooled is wide receiver. Time will tell whether or not the Chiefs or the Dolphins won the trade but like it or not the Chiefs increased their number of draft picks as a result. 

With that said, expect them to use a pick on a wideout. They may even use one of the first rounders on a WR and one name to watch is George Pickens (WR, Georgia). Like Hill, Pickens has speed. Unofficially running a 4.21 40-yard dash. He would likely have an immediate impact on Andy Reid’s potent offense. 

A wildcard position to look out for on draft day is running back. Some draft boards have the Chiefs targeting Pickens’ Georgia teammate — James Cook. He is the younger brother of Vikings star Dalvin Cook. In addition to running hard, James has shown that he has excellent hands and could provide another receiving target for Patrick Mahomes. 

Overall, it’s clear that the Chiefs should focus on the defense in this year’s draft by mainly trying to improve their defensive backfield. However, it’s still unclear what direction they will go in the first round. With two picks, they have options. 

Betting On The Chiefs In Kansas?

Many sportsbooks have future bet odds on how the first round of the draft will play out. While you won’t see any odds or future predictions related to the Chiefs, you will see future bet options on which players will be selected in the top 3, which will likely help dictate how the rest of the top 15 will pan out. 

Unfortunately, as of the start of the NFL season, don’t expect any sports betting apps in Kansas. Although there is legislation pending in the house, it’s unlikely that apps will be approved to launch before kickoff. If the current legislation passes, though, odds are that fans could be able to bet on the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, if they make it this year.