The pick I'd make.

[Direckshun]

I've read about the draft, watched my fair share of film/footage, perused my fair share of draft guides and the posts here on this forum.

Here's what I would do if given the chance.

With our first, I'd take Mazi Smith.

Honestly, given the mocks I've seen, I'd take Bijan Robinson if he fell to us, but there's just no way he does. He's too good, too talented. And if the Chiefs can run the ball, they simply can't lose. A great run game with Mahomes is an unstoppable force.

But no, Bijan will go earlier in the 1st round (we better hope it's not to the Eagles, Bills, or Bengals).

What the Chiefs should do, however is go for Mazi Smith. For the following reasons:

1. The need at DT is the greatest need on this team.
a. The WR position will need reinforcements (assuming Hopkins is still off the table?). But the team has talent at the position to start with and talent that is under contract into 2024.
b. The need at offensive tackle exists, but there are free agent solutions for a swing tackle. The Chiefs just won a Super Bowl with Andrew Wylie at right tackle; I just don't think they care about right tackle that much. Niang is under contract two more years, there's no need to immediately replace him, but the team should consider adding a draft pick or free agents to compete there.
c. The need at defensive end exists, but there's already a good three-man rotation with three guys who can all reduce down to DT on passing downs. I expect them to add another player at the position either in the draft or free agency.
d. They have no players under contract at defensive tackle at this time for 2024 -- none. And Chris Jones is an impending free agent at this time.

2. There are no elite players left at 31, but there are a few players with elite skillsets. Mazi Smith is the best run defender in this draft, and he does have Dontari Poe's passrushing upside. Which isn't great, but it's usable for someone who is a 1 tech for you.

3. Mazi Smith is DJ Reader. He's going to shut down the run single-handedly when he's more fully developed, and allow the rest of the team to flow more creatively against the pass rather than buckling down against the run.

This is a team that can do whatever they want, and there are defensive tackles on day 2 and even on day 3 that are capable of doing the job -- not to mention they can always scoop a guy in free agency. But they need to be assured they have upper level talent at defensive tackle in 2024, and at this time I think it's more likely than not that Chris Jones moves on.

On the 2nd day of the draft, I'd consider trading up into the middle of the 2nd for the best passrusher/wide receiver that you can get your hands on, then spend the rest of the draft packing this team full of depth.