For the first time in franchise history, the Kansas City Chiefs won 12-plus games in back-to-back years. In doing so, they enjoyed a first-round bye in the playoffs — just as they did in 2018. However, they are far from perfect. If the Chiefs want to leap from “good” to “potential dynasty,” they need to address these three areas, among others.
3. Interior offensive line
For the Chiefs, there is nothing more important than protecting Patrick Mahomes. He is their present and future. What does that mean for the offseason? Adding a few interior offensive linemen.
While Kansas City has solid tackles in Eric Fisher (left) and Mitchell Schwartz (right) and a reliable right guard in Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, the line should be looked at as an area needing improvement. The left guard and center positions are weak, and that shows.
The Chiefs don't need to spend big in free agency or use their first two picks on interior linemen, but investing in some low-risk, high-reward options in both the free-agent and prospect pull could ensure the long-term health of Mahomes.
2. A lockdown cornerback
A Chiefs qualm as old as time, Kansas City continues to lack in their cornerback department, even if they enjoyed solid play from Charvarius Ward, Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland and Morris Claiborne in 2019.
Kansas City's defense took a massive leap in 2019. The additions of Tyrann Mathieu and Frank Clark have paid dividends. However, one would be hard-pressed to have 100% confidence in the unit.
If the Chiefs can add a true lockdown cornerback in the draft or free agency, it would be a massive get for their improving defense. Trevon Diggs, Jeff Gladney, Paulson Adebo and Bryce Hall should be prospects they look heavily at coming into the draft. If they want to spend big, Chris Harris Jr. or Byron Jones could pique their interest.
1. A workhorse running back
The Chiefs' current running back corps won't spark a bad Yelp review — LeSean McCoy, Damien Williams, Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson are sufficient — but it won't give a five-star one.
Kansas City doesn't have a true workhorse running back. Though they can rely on the aforementioned four and Patrick Mahomes' abilities, it would be nice to have a tailback that could get them out of slumps and can take 20-plus carries a game with ease. They once had that in Kareem Hunt, but he sparked his demise, meaning they need it again.
Luckily, the Chiefs should be able to find a workhorse back in the offseason. If they don't want to spend big in free agency, they could look to the first or second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Names to consider would be D'Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, Travis Etienne and others.
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