As draft season continues, here is an updated look at who the Chiefs should take in the 2021 NFL Draft.
31. Liam Eichenberg OT Notre Dame
This tackle class is loaded with talent from the top down, and even at the end of the first round, the Chiefs can take a day one starter in the NFL. Eichenberg was the total package at left tackle during his time at Notre Dame. He uses a flawless technique in pass protection and plays with surprisingly good leverage in the run game. He has everything you want in an offensive linemen’s demeanor and finishes every rep to the echo of the whistle. He is only an average athlete, but he made up for it in his time at Notre Dame and he has the savvy and skillset to make it as a left tackle in the NFL.
63. Amon Ra-St.Brown WR USC
The Chiefs need to add another weapon to the passing attack, and St.Brown can be the guy for KC. The Chiefs need a guy that wins one on one routes at a high rate. It seems established NFL vets were not willing to sign with the Chiefs in free agency due to the idea that they may not get the production they need playing alongside Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. To a rookie, this is a great chance to learn from some of the best as well as come into a low-pressure situation and be given a chance to compete. St.Brown also has the explosive play-making Andy Reid has looked for in wide receivers in the past years.
94. Olaijah Griffen CB USC
Defensive back has been a position that Brett Veach has kept a wealth of talent at in past seasons and this season will be no different. Griffen will give KC another talented outside corner with a knack for getting the football. A willing tackler Griffen plays tough and fits the mold for what Steve Spagnuolo wants in a defensive back. Griffen would also be a good scheme fit for the Chiefs having played man and zone at USC. I think he projects to be an outside CB, but with his skills and football IQ, he could be moved around.
136. Patrick Jones Edge Pittsburgh
In the pass-happy modern NFL, a team can never have too many pass rushers, and Patrick Jones would be an excellent value for the Chiefs at 136. He had good career production with over 17 sacks in 22 games, and he plays both the run and passes effectively enough to be a perfect fit as a 4-3 defensive end. After this season Frank Clark’s contract and status on the team could be in question so it might be time for the Chiefs to start looking for the future of the position.
144. Josh Bledsoe S Missouri
Bledsoe is a very diverse player and I think he would fit what the Chiefs want in a player who can play all the positions in the secondary. He is likely best as a slot player in the NFL but has the ability to also be a hybrid safety type player. A good athlete, strong tackler, and versatile player, Bledsoe can come in and provide an immediate special teams boost, while learning the Chiefs system and eventually being able to compete.
175. Josh Imatorbhebhe WR Illinois
Imatorbhebhe is a low-cost draft pick who could be a major find if the Chiefs offense finds a way to utilize his natural physical gifts. At worst he could be a reliable special teams player his entire career with the Chiefs, but he has the size and athletic ability to turn into an excellent X receiver. He isn’t the most experienced player, but KC is the perfect spot for this potential big-play wideout to learn, and hone his natural size and speed to become a solid NFL wideout.
181. Drake Jackson IOL Kentucky
Scrappy is the best way to describe Jackson as a player, and that is a good thing. His size and athletic profile will knock him to the back of the draft, but his heart, effort, and football IQ are going to make him a good player for some team. Hopefully, it’s the Chiefs. Jackson wants a fistfight in a phone booth and has won matchup’s against the best interior pass rushers the SEC has had to offer the past few seasons. His feet never stop moving, and he finishes every play till his man is on the ground, or the whistle is blown.
207. Garret Wallow LB TCU
Wallow is a good athlete, who would be a solid backup linebacker, and also be a major contributor on special teams. He would likely be backing up Willie Gay as the Will backer, and he is a solid player in pass defense, as well as lining up to blitz from multiple positions. This would be a good value pick for the Chiefs.
