NFL Draft 32 for 32 - Kansas City Chiefs

What a difference a quarterback makes. Second-year QB Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs starter and immediately made this team into a force in fantasy football. The excitement that he brings to the game goes without saying. His season was one of the best in league history (5.097 yards and 52 total TDs). He was a player that was going late in drafts and if you were lucky enough to pull the trigger on him, he likely led you to a deep playoff run.

Heading into 2019, all the key pieces are still in place (Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce), making Mahomes the unquestioned QB1 in drafts. What will be an even bigger ally for him this season is a defense that is in rebuild mode, putting more emphasis on the offense to keep points on the board. Making a selection on Mahomes in the late second round/early third may be a tough thing to sell, but you know what you are getting with him as your starting QB. His top two receiving options will be top draft picks in their own right. As Kelce will be the top TE off the board in the late second round and Hill will also be drafted as a WR1 early in drafts (Also keep an eye on Hill's playing status as he is still under league review).

The Chiefs running game has been the spark of much debate this offseason. After the release of Kareem Hunt and injury to Spencer Ware, Damien Williams came on late for fantasy owners and was a waiver wire gem. His end-of-season surge (six TD in four games) gave the Chiefs confidence in him and he has earned the title of lead back. Then the team signed Carlos Hyde and the fantasy industry went up in flames as to wonder how this backfield shakes out. Andy Reid's offense typically focuses on one main back, making Hyde the valued veteran presence on the depth chart. Williams will be a wildcard in drafts. Where to select him could range from the second round to the fourth. But wherever he is taken, Williams will get every opportunity to match that value. As for Hyde, the smart owner may do well to grab Hyde as a handcuff to Williams, just in case.

Top Three Projected Selections

First Round- Deandre Baker, CB Georgia (29th overall)
Second Round- Beau Benzschawel, OG Wisconsin (61st)
                             Charles Omenihu, DE Texas (63rd)

Remaining Picks
Third Round- 92md
Fifth Round-167th
Sixth Round- 201st, 214th
Seventh Round- 216th

Needs Analysis

The 2019 draft should focus in on one thing and one thing alone for the Chiefs, defense. The team has plenty of holes now with departures of key veterans. With their eight picks, the team will likely focus on that side of the ball. But if the value is right, a selection on the offensive line makes sense as well.

Deandre Baker meets an obvious need for the Chiefs defense. With questionable starters on the outside, Baker has every chance to come in and start right away. He is a classic press corner that thrives in man-to-man coverage schemes. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in play recognition and ball skills. Playing against top-tier talent in college, Baker should find transitioning to the NFL a little easier. He projects out to be a solid starter for this team for years to come.

Beau Benzschawel is a quality pass-blocking specialist that will give the Chiefs some depth on their offensive line. He has good technique and a great understanding of blocking concepts in the run game. He will just need to work on his strength against power rushers at the next level. He does present a good matchup against young speedy outside rushers, making him a solid rotational piece. If he rounds out his skill set, he could develop into a solid starter at guard in the league.

Charles Omenihu is a tweener that has the size of the of a defensive end, but the speed and skill that can allow him to play as an outside linebacker on passing downs. He sets a strong edge and mixes his power and speed well to get into the backfield. His game lacks consistency, but if he can continue his development, he should become a starter quickly instead of a rotational player.

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