2017 Kansas City Chiefs’ Draft & OTA Review

Head Coach Andy Reid got his extension while General Manager John Dorsey got the door after the draft which is highly unusual since the Chiefs won the AFC West. Reid traded up from the 27th pick to the 10th in order to select the high risk Patrick Mahomes II. Mahomes is athletically gifted with a strong arm and a quick release. As the Texas Tech gunslinger found out in OTAs, he needs technique and mechanic fine tuning. Only time will tell if Mahomes is Reid’s next Brett Favre or Donovan McNabb. Mahomes found out that he needs more work making protection calls as he develops as an NFL signal caller. He is spending time learning the playbook, improving his footwork, and getting the ball out quicker. He moves well in the pocket and is becoming more familiar with snaps under center. He is still staring down receivers. Tanoh Kpassagnon realized during OTAs that there is a big difference in responsibilities for what he was asked to do at Villanova. The Chiefs understand he is a developmental player who has a long way to go before he will contribute on a regular basis. He needs more leg strength. Must work to play low and with leverage. Fringe instincts and awareness. Has an interesting blend of tools and intangibles. Kareem Hunt has been in the learning mode since arriving in Kansas City. The Chiefs traded up to select the powerfully built compact runner. He proved in OTAs and rookie camp that his 5000+ yards in college was no accident. Hunt has been shifty and elusive in his play. A three down back who can run, catch, and block. He will compete with Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, and CJ Spiller. Value pick Jehu Chesson was possibly the most underrated wide receiver in the draft if not the most mature in his approach to the game. He was Michigan’s MVP in 2015. He was recovering from a knee surgery in 2016 and was not as sharp or productive as he was in 2015. Chesson is one of the receivers that a team wants to learn several spots and also contribute on special teams’ coverage. He put on a big time athletic performance at the Combine and was Ourlads’ 7th rated wide receiver athletically out of 60 who worked out. Ukeme Eligwe played on Florida State’s national championship team in 2013. He played just one year at Georgia Southern and led the team in tackles with 104. He is always around the ball. A good athlete who has sideline to sideline range. Explosive attacking a block and runs well in pursuit. He takes good angles to the perimeter. Will contribute on all special teams’ coverage. Leon McQuay is experienced in a variety of coverages. He plays well in the deep third and halves coverage with matchup zone concepts. He has fluid athletic ability and is smooth when he turns and runs to the deep outside third of the field. Can run with the tight end or slot down the field. McQuay will compete at both safety positions and on special teams. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.

FREE AGENCY: The Chiefs brought in defensive tackle Bennie Logan, an ex-Eagle, to offset the loss of Dontari Poe to Atlanta. The total value of free agency spending in Kansas City was less than 8 million in guaranteed money. Logan received 7.6 million of the funds. Others signed or re-signed for depth include CJ Spiller (RB), Gavin Escobar (TE), Michael Person (OG), Jarvis Jenkins (DE), and Marqueston Huff (FS).

NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Gehrig Dieter (Alabama) WR, Tony Stevens (Auburn) WR, Damien Mama (Southern Cal) OG, Jordan Sterns (Oklahoma State) SS, and Ashton Lampkin (Oklahoma State) CB.

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