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.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

This all of this. I don’t think it will be Mazi and frankly I’d be disappointed if it was. It’s an important position but not a needle mover. The lines better served over Al with a more dangerous edge to help CJ95 unless Mazi just wakes up as prime Vince wilfork m.

Ask the Bengals if DJ Reader isn't a needle mover.

Reader is the reason Anurumo can be the weirdo he is on defense. He can cheat with linebackers, he can drop 8 without a ton of fear against the run, he can blitz in unorthodox ways, opening up A gaps you wouldn't normally want to, because Reader has the ability to clog it all up. He's fantastic.

I think Mazi Smith is DJ Reader.

[BryanBusby]

Selected in the 5th round DJ Reader?

[kccrow]

I think if you want mostly a 2-down run stopper with enough to occasionally get home on the QB like Mazi, then why wouldn't Cameron Young from Miss St make just as much sense in round 4?

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

Selected in the 5th round DJ Reader?

Elite defensive tackle DJ Reader.

Your best chance to replicate him is earlier in the draft, so the theory goes.

Otherwise we'd all be able to get Tyreek Hill clones in the 5th.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

Selected in the 5th round DJ Reader?

/thread.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Elite defensive tackle DJ Reader.

Your best chance to replicate him is earlier in the draft, so the theory goes.

Otherwise we'd all be able to get Tyreek Hill clones in the 5th.

Two things.

1. I think you're overrating Reader. Just a tad.
2. Doesn't matter. There are elite kickers but doesn't mean we should be drafting them in the first round. The draft value in a 2 down defender in this era is low when you're discussing the first round. Even if its a hit, you still blew the pick.

While this team is loaded they need more of an impact player in Round 1.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

Two things.

1. I think you're overrating Reader. Just a tad.
2. Doesn't matter. There are elite kickers but doesn't mean we should be drafting them in the first round. The draft value in a 2 down defender in this era is low when you're discussing the first round. Even if its a hit, you still blew the pick.

While this team is loaded they need more of an impact player in Round 1.

So you’re saying a guy who’s going to be off the field for mike danna to rush on third down isn’t worth the 31? Crazy.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

Two things.

1. I think you're overrating Reader. Just a tad.
2. Doesn't matter. There are elite kickers but doesn't mean we should be drafting them in the first round. The draft value in a 2 down defender in this era is low when you're discussing the first round. Even if its a hit, you still blew the pick.

While this team is loaded they need more of an impact player in Round 1.

For me, I'm happy to make teams one-dimensional on offense.

If they cannot run on us because our two-down run stuffer cannot be moved, and they have to engage Mahomes in a passing duel, that's worth a 1st rounder to me.

Teams can beat us with elite QBs (duh), but they can also beat us by running us over and keeping Mahomes off the field.

I want to make offenses one-dimensional, like the Bengals consistently have done against us with Reader.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by kccrow

I think if you want mostly a 2-down run stopper with enough to occasionally get home on the QB like Mazi, then why wouldn't Cameron Young from Miss St make just as much sense in round 4?

Cameron Young is a run stuffer.

Mazi Smith is a run stopper. And he's going to be a force multiplier for Nick Bolton.

[O.city]

I think Smith has the ability to become more than jsut a 2 down player though.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

For me, I'm happy to make teams one-dimensional on offense.

If they cannot run on us because our two-down run stuffer cannot be moved, and they have to engage Mahomes in a passing duel, that's worth a 1st rounder to me.

Teams can beat us with elite QBs (duh), but they can also beat us by running us over and keeping Mahomes off the field.

I want to make offenses one-dimensional, like the Bengals consistently have done against us with Reader.

Great...so now you've made the offense one dimensional and Mahomes has staked us to an early lead. Your first round pick is relegated to the bench because said offense is forced to throw.

Grab that guy later in the draft and get a guy who can help you in more than just one way.

[Mecca]

I actually don't think Smith can't run the passer, but to each their own.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

For me, I'm happy to make teams one-dimensional on offense.

If they cannot run on us because our two-down run stuffer cannot be moved, and they have to engage Mahomes in a passing duel, that's worth a 1st rounder to me.

Teams can beat us with elite QBs (duh), but they can also beat us by running us over and keeping Mahomes off the field.

I want to make offenses one-dimensional, like the Bengals consistently have done against us with Reader.

That's great but it still doesn't make any sense to take Mazi Smith in the first round for this scheme.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

That's great but it still doesn't make any sense to take Mazi Smith in the first round for this scheme.

Because we've played terrible DTs next to Jones doesn't mean we should just keep doing that.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Because we've played terrible DTs next to Jones doesn't mean we should just keep doing that.

That doesn't mean overdrafting a 2 down defender is the move you should make.