Perfect Picks 2024: Kansas City Chiefs
Nobody expected the Kansas City Chiefs to be hoisting the Lombardi after their defeat to the Raiders over Christmas. The fact they did is testament to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes’ ability to get hot at the right time. Even with Mahomes’ massive contract, the Chiefs have built a roster that can challenge regularly, the hallmark of a dynasty.
A big part of that has been GM Brett Veach’s ability to draft immediate starters. Trent McDuffie, Leo Chenal, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith are all examples of recent selections who played a substantial part in taking the Chiefs to another championship. He will need to continue that trend with Mahomes’ deal not backing off any time soon.
As part of our Perfect Picks series, Rory-Joe Daniels gives you his selections for the Chiefs’ 2024 draft, as well as going in-depth on four players from each stage of the weekend.
Round 1 - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Chiefs had to find a new left tackle after Orlando Brown Jr departed for AFC rivals Cincinnati in 2023. Their answer was to bring in veteran Donovan Smith. While Smith was serviceable he wasn’t elite and he certainly isn’t a long-term solution. He could return as a temporary measure but bringing in a young offensive tackle is something likely to be atop the Chiefs’ shopping list.
It will be a case of returning to the well for Veach if he selects Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton. The Chiefs already picked his former teammate Wanya Morris last year. Guyton has prototypical size and is an excellent mover, with strong anchor. His stock is pointing up and getting him this late in the first round could be tricky. He would certainly offer the Chiefs a chance to get a long-term starter at one of the game’s most important positions.
Round 2 - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Everybody knows the Chiefs still need weapons to surround Mahomes. The supporting cast simply wasn’t good enough in 2023. Rashee Rice showed progress and Travis Kelce came up big when needed the most but outside of that, the Chiefs’ receiving options were spotty. It’s easy to link them with a big, physical catcher, something different from their current collection of pass catchers.
However, I can see them having a soft spot for Michigan receiver Roman Wilson. While his game is similar to Rice, Mahomes will love having another speedster who can attack defenses in different ways. He displays excellent yards-after-catch ability on end-arounds and operates well in the slot, his speed giving him the edge on in-breaking routes. His playmaking ability could appeal to the Chiefs, particularly after a strong Senior Bowl
Mid Round Gem - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
There is plenty of untapped potential in a player like Theo Johnson. The Penn State tight end has been under-utilised in his four years at College Station. Last season was his most productive, yet he only received 45 targets for 341 receiving yards. His size (6’6, 264lbs) and athletic ability suggest he could be the type that takes a step forward when he reaches the NFL.
Why select a tight end when you have the best in the game you may think? Well, Travis Kelce is approaching 35 and the tight end room is set to take a hit this offseason. Both Blake Bell and Jody Fortson are set to be free agents so Johnson could offer reasonable value at this point. Learning behind Kelce for a year could be exactly what a young player like Johnson needs.
Late Round Sleeper - Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Replacing a player like Chris Jones is almost impossible. After an offseason wrangling over contracts, with the resolution not coming until after the season opener, Jones didn’t miss a beat on his return. Now holding on to him will get even harder. Jones is a proven entity on the brink of a huge payday, one that may price the Chiefs out of the market.
If they do need to replace Jones, they won’t be able to do it with one player. They likely will need to bring in a veteran presence and one or two younger options. In this draft we added Ruke Orhorhoro who brings some pass rush ability and Alabama’s Tim Smith to bring the bulk. Smith never lived up to his four-star potential for the Tide but, he has the potential to be a rotational run-stuffer in the right scheme.
Draft in full
Round 1 – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2 – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Round 3 – Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Round 4 – Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas
Round 5 – Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Round 5 – Frank Gore Jr, RB, Southern Miss
Round 6 – Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Round 7 – Omar Speights, LB. LSU
