The pick I'd make. - Page 3

Direckshun · 04-18-2023, 10:02 AM

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.

kccrow · 04-20-2023, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Cameron Young is a run stuffer.

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

We sure about that?

I mean, their statistical output over the past two seasons is near identical. They have very similar playstyles and results but Young is quicker off the ball. Both have an issue with coming up too high. Both are difficult to move off their spot.

I think you're slightly overvaluing Mazi while undervaluing Young. Yeah, I'd say Mazi has more upside and I'd take a shot on that if we were a 3-4 defense that relied heavily on a NT but we're a 1-gap 3-4. I'll take a guy that is solid at his job and quick off the ball and that's good enough.

Chris Meck · 04-21-2023, 06:00 AM

I was all about Mazi when he was being slotted in the third due to the gun thing. If he dropped, I'd surely take him there.

In the first? Nah. He's a two down run stuffer, and I just don't see first round value. I don't see anything that indicates he can be a plus pass rusher at all. If he couldn't do it in college, why would he in the pros? I just don't see it.

O.city · 04-21-2023, 07:41 AM

Playing in Harbaughs defense, he's not really asked to do it much. Remember Justin Smith with the 9ers freeing up Aldon all those times?

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Franchise

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.

What are the trenches worth to you on defense?

We will likely take a large DE early in the draft, giving us four DEs who can play the run at least passably well. We also have Chris Jones.

But it all means nothing if Nnadi is getting bowled over by a power scheme.

I believe Mazi Smith stops the power scheme. And he wins you the interior.

That is a 1st round pick, and if teams have to play left-handed to avoid it, so be it.

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

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

Also, this.

**The Franchise** · 04-21-2023, 09:23 AM

I mean....if I'm picking a side to agree with....it isn't going to be the one that has O.City and Mecca on it. Just sayin...

Dunerdr · 04-21-2023, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

What are the trenches worth to you on defense?

We will likely take a large DE early in the draft, giving us four DEs who can play the run at least passably well. We also have Chris Jones.

But it all means nothing if Nnadi is getting bowled over by a power scheme.

I believe Mazi Smith stops the power scheme. And he wins you the interior.

That is a 1st round pick, and if teams have to play left-handed to avoid it, so be it.

How many times has Mahomes lost to a team that runs primarily inside the tackles? The titans two years ago? Henry isnt Henry anymore, that teams gutted and still couldnt do it come the playoffs. So maybe Baltimore or the 9ers?

And to that argument just sign a run stuffing Jag.

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

How many times has Mahomes lost to a team that runs primarily inside the tackles? The titans two years ago? Henry isnt Henry anymore, that teams gutted and still couldnt do it come the playoffs. So maybe Baltimore or the 9ers?

And to that argument just sign a run stuffing Jag.

Bills and Bengals ran all over us. And we're probably facing the Eagles or 49ers in the Super Bowl if/when we get there.

Dunerdr · 04-21-2023, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Bills and Bengals ran all over us. And we're probably facing the Eagles or 49ers in the Super Bowl if/when we get there.

The bills and bengals did when we were in light personel. Is Mazi even going to be out there for that? Nnadi was some but not always. I just dont see it.

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

The bills and bengals did when we were in light personel. Is Mazi even going to be out there for that? Nnadi was some but not always. I just dont see it.

Reader is.

Reader is a key reason the Bengals feel comfortable dropping 8 against Mahomes.

I'm just saying.

**The Franchise** · 04-21-2023, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Reader is.

Reader is a key reason the Bengals feel comfortable dropping 8 against Mahomes.

I'm just saying.

So Mazi Smith is Reader now?

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Franchise

So Mazi Smith is Reader now?

That's been my argument.

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:45 AM

Brett Kollman --> 27:54 minute mark

O.city · 04-21-2023, 09:49 AM

If he doesn't develop into a reliable inside rusher, yeah, I'm not a huge fan. The tools and athleticism are there, so I don't see why we couldn't project that out.

Direckshun · 04-21-2023, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If he doesn't develop into a reliable inside rusher, yeah, I'm not a huge fan. The tools and athleticism are there, so I don't see why we couldn't project that out.

If you play him the snaps Saunders got last year, he gets 3-4 sacks.

I think he's usable in passing downs, but you probably are yanking him off the field for Turk Wharton or Mike Danna on 3rd and long.

04-18-2023, 10:02 AM
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	The pick I'd make. 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.
Posts: 59,693

04-21-2023, 06:00 AM	#32
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $-1385090	I was all about Mazi when he was being slotted in the third due to the gun thing. If he dropped, I'd surely take him there. In the first? Nah. He's a two down run stuffer, and I just don't see first round value. I don't see anything that indicates he can be a plus pass rusher at all. If he couldn't do it in college, why would he in the pros? I just don't see it.
Posts: 19,471

04-21-2023, 07:41 AM	#33
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-735936	Playing in Harbaughs defense, he's not really asked to do it much. Remember Justin Smith with the 9ers freeing up Aldon all those times?
Posts: 84,242

04-21-2023, 09:23 AM	#36
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2065047	I mean....if I'm picking a side to agree with....it isn't going to be the one that has O.City and Mecca on it. Just sayin...
Posts: 92,316	1 0

04-21-2023, 09:45 AM	#43
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	Brett Kollman --> 27:54 minute mark
Posts: 59,693

04-21-2023, 09:49 AM	#44
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-735936	If he doesn't develop into a reliable inside rusher, yeah, I'm not a huge fan. The tools and athleticism are there, so I don't see why we couldn't project that out.
Posts: 84,242