Playing Chiefs GM: Putting the Puzzle Together

Playing Chiefs GM: Putting the Puzzle Together – Before we piece the puzzle together to get the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl, let’s begin by focusing on five moves which should assure that. Of course, there are no guarantees, but these five moves should get the chiefs well on their way.

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The Five Moves to Get Back to the Super Bowl

1. Negotiate Contract adjustments to gain Cap space

This is easily accomplished by extending and moving money from the back end of a contract to the front. The player gains guaranteed money and Veach gains cap space, positing “funny money to the back end.” There are several players with whom this tactic would work: Mahomes, Jones, and Mathieu and probably more. There are even more possibilities in this regard. Last week, Seth Keysor used just one example to get from $20M down to $30M up in cap space (subscription required). He didn’t state the players to be part of this “Reinvestment,” but the method is what has been used time and again.

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A year ago, n 2020 offseason, it was almost as if Veach and his financial gurus acted as sorcerers using alchemy to get the monies to retain their own Free Agents (e.i., no one thought that the Chiefs could possibly retain Sammy Watkins). However, it was a deal that was pulled off successfully. Of course, players will not be retained who are under contract and this would go along with the NFL’s pending “perfect storm,” but these cuts will also be an aid to obtaining players that the Chiefs need.

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2. Hire a Free Agent

What I think here is Veach must look closely at hiring an “X” Receiver and a LOT. The LOT can be solved with a draft pick, so the WR might be where the Chiefs find their FA guy. Reason: it’s easier to develop a rookie OT into a first year starter than get major production from a rookie WR. With no great amount of Cap Space available, this is going to be problematic. Of course, there might be consideration of Sammy returning again, but it would have to be at a drastic discount. Also, Veach must consider the fact that Sammy is injury prone. This player is to bridge the gap to the player the Chiefs bring aboard in the draft. Brett must bridge the gap of time — from hiring a F/A for the “X” WR or the LOT — then in addressing the offensive line he can draft one too. The departure of Sammy Watkins appears imminent, but the need on the Left side at OT may supersede that premise.

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What the “X” WR roll needs to be is a route running possession receiver that is a constant threat at the same time. Both Hill and Hardman are deep threats. Kelce is the added dimension. What I would like is to have a healthy, less costly, version of Watkins… for all games, plus postseason. In the Super Bowl, Sammy was not himself and that really hurt. We need a guy who is superior in the short and intermediate zone to keep the secondary from stacking two deep on the outside and/or prevent double teams on Hill and Kelce.

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Here I am less certain what might happen, but there will be players who can help bridge the gap. Some would say that this is to bridge to Fishers return. I think that is an imprudent hope. As far as a free agent is concerned, Veach only indicated that it was unlikely to be in the first wave of signings.

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Here is Veach’s view of monies and Free Agents:

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“Free agency, again will be a unique animal for us… So, we’ll on one end, we’ll work our conversions to stay under the cap and what we have left and what we can do. We will be largely dependent on what becomes available to us and do we think this will be the right course of action and are there other moves that we would have to make to make this work, so that will be one thing.”

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From addressing Free Agents Veach then discussed the draft:

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“On the draft, I think it kind of works hand in hand so based upon how free agency works out and if you’re able to address it, then the draft will work hand in hand. You’re able to potentially address one area then that gives you more flexibility to add in another area. If you can’t do anything in… free agency, then you’ll certainly have a lot of holes to fill in the draft.”

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This tells us that the Chiefs will be looking to obtain at least one VIP Free Agent, even if it is not in the first wave of Free Agency. He and his staff will try to find the right player to bring aboard, so that the players of focus are concretely identified to solve missing player situations and the different player groups.

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3. Draft to Refit the OL for the future

Beyond the exceptional draft picks, there are many players in the first 3 rounds that K.C. could bring aboard to be the next LOT, including a standout Center and even an OG . There are at least 4 rounds of R1-R3 Centers who fit that bill, and even player anticipated in the 4th round and enough OT’s to get a quality player(s) in round 2. These would be out-of-the-gate starters for both OT or OC positions.

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It is also possible to come away with a starter for the Interior Offensive Line in the 2nd round. What would be best is to get a Center who can hit the ground running so K.C. can step away from Austin Reiter. Also, because I don’t know what is possible for Kelechi Osemele, a guard prospect should also be a consideration in this draft, but keep in mind we have Nick Allegretti and Martinas Rankin. LDT’s return helps a bunch.

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4. Draft to Refit the DL

What became obvious about the 2020 season was the fact that the opposition constantly double team both Chris Jones and Frank Clark. My initial thought was to Draft a top level DE to play opposite Frank Clark. Laddie and I discussed this path and then he proposed that we staff up and obtain an immediate threat to play inside next to Chris Jones. The more I thought about this and looked back over the season, the teams that had a superior inside rush and could push the pocket, constantly put Patrick Mahomes in motion. Flipping that idea to the Offensive side of the ball… drafting the right players for the IOL or ensuring that the 2021 IOL is rock-strong would help a bunch. So would having both OT positions manned with top players all season!

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With that new addition — possibly — on the interior, the DE opposite Clark would also have great ease at pressuring the QB. Okafor is at least a solid DE and Taco Charlton has a lot of upside. Perhaps the way to solve the problem of ever being faced down in such a situation as that of Super Bowl LV, is to draft a –> completely aggressive, hard handed, jump moving, full motor, big man in the middle.

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Derrick Nnadi could fill the run stopping role and of course it’s possible to add back Mike Pennel at the vet minimum for the same purpose. I am not sold at all on Khalen Saunders, but his run stopping helps and Pennel did not do much for the Chiefs in his second stint. A IDL draft pick that can start quickly is in order. My point was to shift away from the edge to the interior.

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5. Good Draft for LBs in R1 and R2, GET ONE!

Zaven Collins, Chazz Surratt, Jabril Cox, each would be great OLBs for K.C.. I’d even consider a run stopper for the traditional 4-3 in the middle to replace Hitchens down the road. That is also going to be possible in this draft. With the 4-3, the Chiefs need three solid players plus depth. We have Hitchen under contract for 2021-2022. I can see a draft pick of a run stopping player in the midst of the draft over the next 3 seasons.

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Those Five “Move” areas would go a long way to ensuring the Chiefs roster is positioned to get back to the Super Bowl in 2022’s version, LVI. With those moves noted, let’s take a look forward to see what else… I’d like… to happen.

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Draft Focus: Getting “Impact” Players

This is an exercise of examining the draft and trying to match thinking to the Needs and Wants list that Brett Veach and his Scouts and staff might see in their building the Veach Blueprint for 2021.

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I did not cover picks resulting from trading out of round 1 to get 2 top 100 picks, although I see that as a distinct possibility. Doing that might result in sacrificing a target player at pick #31, but I’m beginning to think that this draft possibility is going to be part of the many schemes that the Chiefs staff will arrange to watch as the board selections peel off. We may even wait until Round 2 to see K.C. trade backwards. Both have been effective.

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If K.C. deos trade back, my idea would be that the Chiefs would create these picks, as an example:

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Offensive Center

What I want is leadership from the Center, but also a man-mover with some meanness, so that my first choice is Landon Dickerson (Alabama), followed by Josh Myers (Ohio St), and Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma). Later than these three is a solid choice also: Drake Jackson (Kentucky). Everything I see on film and in print tells me that Jackson is underrated.

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I mentioned obtaining players who played with some ferocity and nastiness at the position and that is why Dickerson is my top choice. Would he drop to 31 in round 2? I don’t know, but I really want this player as my replace for Austin Reiter which I personally believe is necessary. No big knock on Reiter, except he is a journeyman player and I want an impact player, thinking, Dickerson is that guy.

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Left Offensive Tackle

Here is the dilemma: the Top Tackle prospects have already been selected by Pick #31. Most of the time when I look at the various published mocks, I am going to be able to obtain: Jalen Mayfield (Michigan), Walker Little (Stanford) and Samuel Cosmi (UT) in round 2. All three are worthy of selection. Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma St) is another Tackle that I would favor in the draft. He may fall into the 3rd round and that would make him an excellent value for that pick. Jenkins is a player that the Chiefs have already scheduled a virtual interview with.

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Mayfield, Cosmi and Little are ranked as round one caliber selections, but come with “caveats.” I do not think that any of these three players are the type that are really round 1 players. Round 2, is a different story, but player who would fit for the LT role.

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About Walker Little: for a period of time, Little dropped deeper in the second round than where he’s currently ranked. He is a top player who sat out 2020, but he performed at a very high level before and is probably a Round 1 prospect. If we can work this to advantage, Little would be an excellent choice even in Round 1. However, Veach could postpone his R1 selection of an OT in the R2 and still obtain a top quality OT… such as Walker Little or Liam Eichenberg. It’s a GM’s game right?

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Samuel Cosmi is a player I like, but he needs a weight training and strengthening program for his lower body. Mayfield has developmental needs too. I would draft them easily, but prefer them in R3, that’s where they should be taken. In Round 2 though? Too much of a gamble.

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Veach most assuredly sees the exposure that I see in Eric Fisher. This position must be covered no matter what. I know there is a Round 2 selection that will be NFL ready, out of the gate –> LOT, Liam Eichenberg (ND). It is said that his ceiling isn’t as high as other potential players, but that he can be a starter right away. The Chiefs offense scheme fits him well, but is best against the run, taking off the edge attacker and getting to the second level. His pass protection is good, but not as well developed. It was observed: Eichenberg was “Smooth” in protecting a QB that was unpredictable like Patrick Mahomes. TDN — The Draft Network — rates him as a starter immediately. He may have a learning curve, but will quickly assimilate the playbook (Football Intelligence), and understand the pass rush tactics used by various defenders. I always recall the struggles of Eric Fisher his first season. Eichenberg should transition better than Fish and has quicker feet.

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Prospect Teven Jenkins is on the Chiefs interview list, and has the bona fides for Veach to draft him if his number comes up at the right point. On occasion I can mock Round 1 rated OT Alex Leatherwood (Alabama), but not often. He is not a Round 1 pick in my view. See below in my selected player list, in the end, it’s Teven Jenkins, because K.C. made him one of the first interviews.

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Offensive Guard

Among the offensive line positions, this seems to be the one of the least needed. LDT is returning to play at the ROG. Nick Allegretti is available for LOG. Kelechi Osemele wants to return and states he’s returning. I would dearly love to see him back. Martinas Rankin played well at Guard when LDT was injured in the 2019 season. I am comfortable with him being one of the earmarked starters as well. In fact, I am comfortable bringing Osemele back to play for a vet Minimum. I could then use Allegretti as my mystical swing interior offensive lineman. Better yet, consider him in replacing Austin Reiter.

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We do not know if the Chiefs have plans for Andrew Wylie. He is a UFA at present. I would like to see a another Guard brought aboard though. Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC), Wyatt Davis (Ohio St), Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma), Trey Hill (Georgia) and Trey Smith (UTenn) plus there are a couple more you could add. For that matter, Landon Dickerson and Josh Myers, are both versatile on the IOL. A good IOL candidate can be had even in Round 3.

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Defensive Tackle

If I made DT my first pick — which is very possible to garner a great pick — will immediately be successful. Besides that, he would effectively change the Pass Rush interior. In recent years, the top IDL guys have been drafted and beyond KC’s reach. Daviyon Nixon (Iowa) will push the blockers into the pocket and would tailor well at the 0/1 Gap. He is not a proven player, but with his SAQ and Speed, he’ll adjust to the NFL game extremely quickly. Nixon has great, violent and aggressive hands, with a constant motor, but I see him as a 3 Tech opposite Chris Jones with impact in penetration. What this does is give the Chiefs 3 pass rushers with high impact and would make the existing roster DE’s, more effective. Further, the whole set of possible schemes from DC Steve Spagnuolo would immediately be far more powerful. When I need to swap in someone for the 0/1 Gap, I have Derrick Nnadi to mix in so… I like Nixon a whole bunch.

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I also like DE Greg Rousseau (Miami), but I cannot see him being available after pick #20. Nixon might be there.

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Some Miscellany

There is an oddity about the DT position that does give me pause. I know that Brett Veach cannot get all the guys he wants for all the positions that need help out of Round 1 and 2. For the DT job, I have a dark horse, sort of like LaJarius Sneed was in the 4th round last year. This player comes from a small university and again it is Louisiana Tech. I hope Veach is listening to the football Gods on this one because I think DT Milton Williams may be that type of sneaky draft pick that might really shine for KC. Williams is ranked as the 11th rated DT by one service, but has the moxie to play the position with speed and ferocity. The odds are that he is very underrated because of being from a small school. You might want to catch some film on him, but he is not a 0/1 alignment DT.

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Consider that a DT could well be my first pick. That often means that I’d be unable to get a player that I want most to bring aboard: LB or OT or even Center. If I have taken the DT in round 1, then I am sliding to the example of Landon Dickerson at Center, or an offensive tackle, or even if I must, go outside of my 3 priority groupings and pull in the WR who I am going to make my “X” possession receiver. Certainly, Round 2 would be a quality OT’s as my selection, such as Dillon Radunz (N.D. St), Alaric Jackson (Iowa), Brady Christianson (BYU), and most often, Jalen Mayfield, who’s often still available in Round 3.

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Wanting to compliment Frank Clark makes me examine a Round 1 pick at DE. There are several Edge players available in Round 1. Kwity Paye (Michigan) and Greg Rousseau (Miami) are almost always gone before pick 20 or 25, but there remain several Defensive Ends I would draft in Round 1: Azeez Ojulari (Georgia), Carlos Basham (WFU), Jaelan Phillips (Miami) who are often available pick 31. Any of the three would be a great pick. Later, I could select Joe Tryon (Washington). The point here is, I can get the DT or OT that I want and get them both in Round 1 and 2. I do think that Phillips is undervalued.

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The Tricky Part at LB

Give me that Strong or Weakside man to compliment Gay for my future tandem, but… I can get that done by Round 3 at the very least. If I chose a Round 1 LB it would be thought to be high risk, because the selection choice is Zalen Collins (Tulsa). Jabril Cox (LSU), Dylan Moses (Alabama) or Nick Bolton (Missouri) in Round 2 or 3, or possibly Cameron McGrone (Michigan). Another idea that strikes me is to get a run stopping player (ILB) that I can add to the mix and be developed. I’m not enamored with Moses or Bolton, but really like Jabril Cox. There are players later in the draft that I can see as bringing aboard, more downhill type linebackers like: Pete Warner (Ohio State) or Paddy Fisher (ND). Fisher though may be too much of a thumper whereas what I see of Warner is a very smooth player who would fit a threesome LB crew. If this were the type of draft that Brett Veach constructed, according to his blueprint, it could go a long way to completing the rebuild of the LB group. After the 2022 season, Anthony Hitchens will be a free agent. When he was brought aboard I was gung ho about him, but his lack of speed hurts, because speed is as crucial on defense as it is on offense.

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Going the Distance from these Observations

Of course, this is my version of how things could end up in a very good place. Who knows how things end up. I can see something like the following players being picked.

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The 5 listed here take the team a very long way in matching Veach’s 2021 Blueprint. Add a Free Agent in the right place, and I see no reason to feel that that Kansas City Chiefs won’t have a great shot at getting to the Super Bowl. Of course, the Chiefs are smarter heads all the way around than my own meager attempt at being Brett Veach.

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Other Considerations

Add a CB or Safety. Also, find a Tight End who blocks, has some speed and catches the ball in traffic. These could all be “added attractions.” The one concrete way that all of this can be obtained is for Brett Veach to trade back to get another top 100 ranked player. That would help to fulfill the needs list and improve in the areas that were a weakness all season and especially against Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. After all, we need to add a compliment to this:

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David Bell –- ArrowheadOne

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