Team-by-Team Draft Recap: Kansas City Chiefs

Jeff Haverlack

thomas

This article is part of our ongoing series where we provide team-by-team analysis and veteran divisional winners and losers from the NFL Draft. You can read the entire series here.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs had a productive 2013 campaign, finishing 11-5 on the season, but lost 44-45 to the surging Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs.  Playing in the same division as the Manning-led Denver Broncos, however, is not ideal for a team lacking defensive consistency and offensive question marks.

On the legs of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs finished tenth in the league in rushing, but on the arm of quarterback Alex Smith, could muster no better than a 24th ranked passing attack.  Smith, for his part, continues to be a passable game manager, but not a quarterback who can put a team upon his shoulders for multiple games. However, Smith did pass for 3,313 yards, 23 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.  The fly in the ointment is all to easy to see when looking at the leaders in receptions and yardage.  In both categories, Charles sits on top, finishing the year with 70 receptions for 693 yards and seven touchdowns – this to go with his 1,287 rushing yards and 12 scores.  Second to Charles in receiving was Dwayne Bowe, who could only manage only 57 receptions, 673 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs’ clear WR1.  Bowe, a perennial under-performer, will be looking to rebound from a forgettable 2013 and certainly will have hopes for more weapons in the passing game.

On defense, the Chiefs slipped from previous years and finished 22nd versus the run and 25th against the pass.  It would seem obvious that, even with the need at receiver, Reid would have been looking to the defensive side of the ball during the NFL Draft.

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Tight end is another concern for Kansas City but  Travis Kelce is now healthy after missing the 2013 season in its entirety and Anthony Fasano will likely fall into a backup role or with snaps in two tight end formations. Kelce, who was a fast riser in fantasy last year during his rookie season, was placed on IR after a ‘minor’ microfracture surgery on his right knee.  He quickly fell from the radar and is now a late round selection in new dynasty drafts. The Chiefs will need solid tight end play if they are going to resolve their offensive passing woes.

So with A.J. Jenkins penciled in as the WR2 and not addressing the need via free agency, what did the Chiefs do in the draft?

De’Anthony Thomas, RB (Round 4, #124)

The selection of Thomas, given other needs on offense, is a head-scratcher.  Common logic would suggest the selection has more to do with trying to replace the dynamic lost when Swiss army knife Dexter McCluster (TEN) left  in free agency.  In any case, with bigger needs at receiver, the under-sized Thomas will be a part-time slot receiver at best while the Chiefs try to get him into space opposite Jamaal Charles in the passing game.

Thomas has an unquestionable speed dynamic and is gifted with elite agility and acceleration that makes forlightning in a bottle, especially in space.  At less than 5’9″ and 174 lbs., however, staying injury free is far from a guarantee.  Additionally, at Oregon, Thomas’ star was bright and there were multiple reports of a primadona attitude and less than stellar work ethic.  On the field at the collegiate level, his speed was on display consistently and opposing defenses had to account for him on every play.

For the Chiefs, expect to see Thomas on special teams as a return man and limited snaps on offense in the slot to be used across the formation from Jamaal Charles, as a recipient of misdirection. Regardless of his usage, he’ll likely not factor in fantasy early in his career, if ever.

Aaron Murray, QB (Round 5, #163)

The undersized (6′, 207 lbs.) Murray has an on-field presence that is hard to miss while also possessing a good football IQ.  With Alex Smith seeking a large contract and no expectation Kansas City will be offering one, Murray provides the developmental option that the Chiefs need for 2015.

Murray excels in the pocket and is a gritty player on the field, displaying a toughness at the position that will aid in seeing the field after time to develop.  In fact, should Murray have been three inches taller, the belief is that he has first round potential.  But unlike other smallish NFL quarterbacks, Murray doesn’t display the skill set to suggest he’ll be able to overcome the deficit in the NFL.  Anything is possible but he’s well off the radar until for now.

Summary

With great need at the receiver position, it’s the one position that was not addressed at any point in 2014.  Coach Andy Reid must feel that passing game issues are more of a product of other factors than limitations at receiver or quarterback.  Alex Smith remains one of the better game managing quarterbacks in the game, but can’t overcome a lack of talent at receiver.  The run game of the Chiefs will continue to be a dominant force in the AFC as long as Jamaal Charles can remain healthy.  The addition of De’Anthony Thomas coupled with last year’s rookie Knile Davis, will likely be a duo used to keep Charles rested and impactful.

Playing in the same division as the Broncos, it’s easy to predict a repeat of 2013 in the standings at the top.  Seeing as the likelihood is that the road to the AFC side of the Super Bowl will go through Mile High, the Chiefs will have to pull multiple rabbits out of their hat in order to change things up.  Looking at their draft, I don’t see enough to make that change.

Follow me on Twitter:  @DLF_Jeff

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jeff haverlack