The Kansas City Chiefs have won back-to-back AFC Championships en route to reaching the Super Bowl as a result of each of the last two seasons. With Kansas City ending a massive 50-year title drought back in 2019-20 while defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, there isn't much more the Chiefs can do to improve the team's roster ahead of the upcoming 2020-21 campaign.
However, that hasn't stopped head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs front office from making moves this offseason as Kansas City notably acquired offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chiefs previously electing to part ways with both of the team's starting tackles, Brown will now come to Kansas City to fill the void left along the offensive front.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, though, Kansas City was forced to part ways with a slew of NFL Draft picks in exchange for the former Ravens standout, including the franchise's first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Nonetheless, the Chiefs were still able to add some viable depth pieces this past weekend as Reid and company no doubt know exactly what they're doing.
Missouri Tigers Linebacker Nick Bolton: Round 2, Pick 58 — (B+)
Because the Kansas City Chiefs did not make a selection in round one, the surging AFC West franchise was determined to find some value in the second round. With former Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton coming off the board to the Chiefs at No. 58 overall, it appears as though Kansas City found a tough player with a high football IQ, which more than likely means that he will fit in quite well with the two-time defending AFC Champions.
Oklahoma Sooners Center Creed Humphrey: Round 2, Pick 63 — (B-)
With franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes still under center, there is no such thing as too much depth along the offensive line when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs. Even with the Chiefs more than set at both the center and guard positions as far as starting-caliber players go, adding former Oklahoma Sooners center Creed Humphrey is an interesting move for Kansas City. Of course, Humphrey is a quality young player that can step in when called upon as he played some high level college football in the Big 12. However, what really makes this pick interesting is the fact that the natural left-hander can actually snap the football with both hands.
Florida State Seminoles Defensive End Joshua Kaindoh: Round 4, Pick 144 — (B)
Due in part to some lingering injury trouble, former Florida State Seminoles defensive end Joshua Kaindoh fell all the way to the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Kaindoh stands at 6'7″ while weighing 265 pounds and can no doubt turn himself into a quality NFL player should he be able to remain healthy. Because the Chiefs remain in position to have both a high-powered offense and a stout defense in 2021-22, Kansas City has the luxury of being able to take chances at this point in the offseason. Should Kaindoh ultimately stay healthy, this could be a memorable pick for the Chiefs in 2021-22 and beyond.
Duke Blue Devils Tight End Noah Gray: Round 5, Pick 162 — (C)
At this point in the 2021 NFL Draft, and considering that the team already has an absolutely stacked roster, any pick was pretty much gravy for the Kansas City Chiefs. Even so, any team that employs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce probably doesn't have to burn a NFL Draft pick on another player at this position regardless of the round — even if it is a solid player like former Duke Blue Devils tight end Noah Gray. Of course, depth is always welcomed atop the highest level with Kelce often taking some big hits over the middle. Perhaps Gray can find his way into the lineup as a special teams player for head coach Andy Reid too, another important aspect of the game that requires healthy and capable bodies.
Clemson Tigers Wide Receiver Cornell Powell: Round 5, Pick 181 — (A-)
Despite the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs lost veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins to free agency and eventually the Baltimore Ravens, the team still employs wide outs Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle and of course Travis Kelce at tight end. However, the Chiefs can always use more weapons to surround All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Although many people often forget about fifth round NFL Draft picks, former Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cornell Powell has the ability to make an immediate impact for the Chiefs as a rookie in 2021-22. Although this impact is more than likely to be on special teams and perhaps a tiny bit on offense as well, there is no one better at getting the most out of dynamic players than Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Powell will need to earn his spot on the team's eventual 53-man roster, but the upside is pretty tremendous for the Chiefs here.
Tennessee Volunteers Guard Trey Smith: Round 6, Pick 226 — (A+)
There is a very real possibility that former Tennessee Volunteers guard and Kansas City Chiefs newcomer Trey Smith eventually becomes the best value pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. Because Smith was previously diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs back in early 2018, his 2021 NFL Draft stock fell immensely despite his continued production at Tennessee. After missing the final five games of the 2018 season as a result of the aforementioned setback, Smith then played for two more seasons at Tennessee without encountering any health issues related to the blood clots. Still, it appeared as though no team would take a chance on him — until head coach Andy Reid and company came calling in the sixth round with the team's final selection of the 2021 NFL Draft. Thanks to the fact that the Chiefs have a talented roster packed with depth, the team can appropriately monitor Smith while also getting him acclimated to the NFL threshold — which may work out for both parties in the end.
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