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.

[Bowser]

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.

This is a good counterpoint

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Reader is.

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

I'm just saying.

How did that work out for them last time with a gimpy Pat and no receivers? Not very well.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

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.

The things that stand out are with a good coaching staff he has the skill to become a dominant player. He got under Steve Avila's pads and nearly knocked him down with 1 arm.

The pure talent is there it's teaching him the technique and consistency to do it every play.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

How did that work out for them last time with a gimpy Pat and no receivers? Not very well.

Their defense isn't why they lost that game, they didn't score enough.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Their defense isn't why they lost that game, they didn't score enough.

It was a team loss, but ultimately that Defense should have dictated the game. They didn't.

[saphojunkie]

Way too much to invest in the DT position with a Jones extension looming

[poolboy]

sounds like we need a run DT with the a sack potential or a DE that can sack and be stout against the the run... Who does that narrow it down too?

[BryanBusby]

What? No. Not really. They just need a fat body to take some snaps from Nnadi.

[kozzman555]

Originally Posted by poolboy

sounds like we need a run DT with the a sack potential or a DE that can sack and be stout against the the run... Who does that narrow it down too?

Foskey, Tuli, Hall, Diaby, Foskey, Benton, Stills, Diaby, Harrison, McGuire, Ojomo, Foskey, Diaby.

If you can't tell, I really like Foskey and Diaby.