An Eye on the NFL and Team Needs

Earlier today, I talked to ArrowheadOne’s illustrious leader, Ladner Morse. Yes, we did talk football. I anticipate Laddie’s return to AOne in early May. I have sorely missed his leadership, wisdom, and constant interaction with the ArrowheadOne site. We have similar views about team needs and potential trades, including the need for a WR, with the draft priorities that I outline below.

Working with Head Coach, the Chief’s Brett Veach will know what teams will do in each draft round when the draft unfolds. The point is that Veach will know who is a likely trade partner by understanding all teams and their draft priorities and will, with his Scouting Team and the Coaching Staff, have constructed their draft board.

Here is how I look at the various team needs from a Wide Receiver Need point of view:

The teams that need a WR, According to PFN(one of the top 3 draft priorities): Raiders, Bears, Browns, Panthers, Giants, Texans, Falcons, Giants, Lions, Packers, and the Chiefs.

I do not necessarily agree with PFN’s list of team needs, as shown below.

When you look at priorities, keep this caveat in mind. For the Chiefs? Safety is not the #1 priority. I think WR is one of the top three. No matter what, the Chiefs are not going to be able to replace the skill set that existed when Tyreek Hill was with Kansas City. I rate DE, CB, and WR as the priority needs in any order. IDL would be next.

From the PFN Table, the Teams with WR as a top priority(1 or 2) are the Raiders, Browns, Bears, Falcons, Giants, Lions, Packers, and Chiefs.

PFN Table of Team Needs

Brett Veach Determined the Defensive Line as the Top Priority for 2022

After the AFC Championship Game, Brett Veach provided the approach that the Chiefs would take for the upcoming off-season:

“I think our first line of business is to finalize where we are with our guys and our staff. Whether it’s the new contracts, the restructuring [of contracts], the re-signings, guys moving on and trades,” Veach said. “Once we finalize and stabilize what we have, it’s just a matter of filling in the holes, and then it comes down to what makes sense from a financial term and a commitment term and marrying that with what we think is available in the draft. After that, then it’s being committed to [our] plan because of what’s available in free agency and the price point in addition to what’s either there or not there in the draft.”

He made the following observation that indicates focus on the DL:

“On one end, you’re always going to keep your eyes and ears open and try to acquire the best players you can because, ultimately, you’ll need depth everywhere… In general, I think most of the guys on the offense are back, and we have some work to do on the defensive side and the defensive line, and we’ll have some decisions to make. We’ll always prioritize the offensive and defensive lines…I don’t think it’s far-fetched to think that we’ll prioritize the lines like we always do. Knowing that we have a good offensive line in place, the defensive line probably makes the most sense, and through the defensive backfield and what have you. I think the defensive side is one that we’ll probably focus on right off the bat.”

Imprint this in the forecastle of your mind: this press Conference was before the Ty Hill Trade. When the trade occurred, the Chiefs were in the red financially and did not have the plethora of draft picks they now possess. The Chiefs immediately signed Free Agent Wideouts JuJu Smith-Schuster(JS-S) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling(MV-S). Veach also took a flyer by signing a former first-round WR draft pick, New York Giants WR Corey Coleman. Coleman has failed to live up to his first-round draft status. He has had no snaps since 2018.

Did WR Rise to the Top Priority Draft Need for 2022?

It is undoubtedly the case — Wide Receiver as a top draft choice is necessary. But will the Chiefs trade up? Or will Veach Draft a WR with one of the existing draft picks? that ideation remains conjecture. The position group needs to get younger, so I think the Chiefs should use two draft picks for WRs.

Why Do Pundits, Analysts, and Observers View Safety as a Top Priority?

Safety is not one of the top draft needs. I understand why a safety might be a draft pick. However, I do not think it is the highest priority position of need. As a draft priority, safety trails DE, DT, CB, and WR. Should safety be the top player on the board at any time, then draft him. The Truth is, though, the Chiefs signed two Free Agent Safeties: Reid and Bush.

Justin Reid. I think highly of this signing. Reid brings physicality and speed to the safety role. Teamed with Juan Thornhill, the Chiefs have a solid pair of safeties. Also added was Safety Deon Bush, another Free Agent signed who provides depth to the position.

Two other signings that I view have crucial importance are RB Ronald Jones and LB Jermaine Carter, Jr. Both are experienced Veterans and solidify their respective position groups. Below I address the top three priorities for the draft. The order presented below can be changed based on the draft board as the draft unfolds.

The position groups of need are clear. For the DL, consider that I believe that DE & DT, WR, and CB should have two draft choices each. I firmly hope that Veach gets a 3-down DT in the process. Laddie and I view these position groups in the same vein.

Priority One – Highest Priority is for Skilled Players Whom Come at a Premium(WR)

Previous articles have addressed trading up in the draft or selecting a player with an existing 2022 draft pick. I have no inside information that tells me how the Chiefs will proceed. I believe that high draft picks should first focus on skilled players(Ball handlers). How the Chiefs select the WR who fits the new WR profile will get worked into the draft board picture.

Priority Two – The Defensive Line was in Shambles in 2021(Both DE and DT Are Glaring Exposures)

If I use the outlook of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a guide, the Chief’s Retooling effort of the draft will be focused on the Front Four. As a result, the Chiefs may employ their two first-round selections for defensive players and not for a WR.

In February, the status of Frank Clark’s Release or Retention was a pivotal point touched upon by many authors writing about the Chiefs. I had determined that Frank Clark would be released due to non-performance. However, it turned out that Clark accepted a revision of his hefty contract, cutting it in half. That was, at least, palatable. Observers can only hope that Clark returns to the form and production of his Seattle days. As things stand, he may contribute as he has over the past two seasons. Clark did occupy blockers and required constant attention from the opposing Offensive Line. However, he has not been able to pressure the QB as he had done earlier in his career.

What I would like Veach to do is to draft two Defensive Ends and a three-down Defensive Tackle. If it turns out that two DEs are drafted, I expect the future would likely find Frank Clark departing the Chiefs next year. I have written about the pass-rush frequently over the last month and more. Yes, I would draft Ojabo despite his injury. Yes, I would draft Boye Mafe. Sam Williams will be a later draft pick whom I like. At DT, several players are worth selections for round one or two: Wyatt, Davis, Hall, Winfrey, Leal, Garrett, Mathis, and Jones are all players who fit the Chief’s need at DT).

Priority Three – The Chiefs Need an Immediate Starter for the CB Group

The Chiefs have not drafted a Cornerback high in the draft. Instead, the team has developed talented players who were lower-round draft picks. L’Jarius Sneed and Rashad Fenton are the two players who will be starters for the season. The need is clear. The Chiefs may sign or trade for a Cornerback before the draft. Certainly, Veach will need to draft a CB in 2022.

About Melvin Ingram

Brett Veach noted the Chief’s interest, putting the responsibility with Ingram at this point:

“Obviously, he had a tremendous impact [for us this season]. He solidified the depth at that position and allowed [defensive lineman] Chris [Jones] to play more inside – more of his natural technique – but his leadership and his approach elevated everyone else’s game. I don’t think it was just a fluke that the defense took off from there. With Melvin, I think it will be very similar to last year. I think he’ll be a guy that will want to take his time. He’s played a lot of snaps. He’s still a productive player who can still help the team, and he would still be of interest to us… (he is) seeing where he wants to play and what makes sense for him, but I do think that if a guy like Melvin decides that he wants to come back and play, I think that we would be at the top of his list, and that’s something we’ll work to keep the dialogue open with.”

I continue to believe Melvin Ingram will re-sign with the Chiefs.

Whatever Happens Next (The Eye On the Future)

Brett Veach made a telling comment about contracts, Personnel, and the future when he said: “we’ll also be cognizant of the long-term effects of things, and we’ll look at other teams and where they are now as a good guide for what could happen if you get careless operating in that fashion.”

It sounds like a plan to me!

David Bell – ArrowheadOne