2023 Discount KC Crow Mock: WR in Round 1

[duncan_idaho]

Running this exercise with the Chiefs taking a WR in Round 1. Whole model is based on... what things would look like if Jalin Hyatt is available to the Chiefs at 31, and KC takes him.

So, here goes!

31: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee. Hyatt isn't a perfect prospect. There are questions about his route tree and ability to be diverse. And I'm glad there are. It's the only reason he's here for KC. With his speed and quickness, Hyatt adds some major juice to the offense.

48 (Trade up with Seattle, sending 62, 2023 4th, and a 2024 2nd for 2023 48 and a 2024 3rd). Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland. My ideal draft in this case is offense-heavy early, nabbing a WR and a RT. Depending on what Wright's stock does, taking him here would make sense if available (he was in this mock, but I didn't believe he would be come draft day, so I didn't take Wright).

Duncan has all the athletic tools and needs to be coached up. Good prospect for KC. And what a name!

82 (Trade up with Tampa, sending #95 and a 6th for #82). Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan. Smith's stock is hard to place right now. But KC has found success with Michigan DL products with a character flag and gets a cheap one here.

122 Brendon Cox, Jr. DE, FLorida. Cox is a twitchy, sturdy DE who has some versatility to his game as well as good quickness and speed off the edge.

And I'll stop tracking there, because we're still early in mock draft season and the lists get silly as you get into 3rd day picks.

This draft lets me take an economical approach at WR and OT in free agency, allowing prioritization on re-signing Orlando Brown and extending Sneed and Jones.

WR: Valdes-Scantling, Moore, Toney, Hyatt is your top 4 in this spot. Maybe you take a low-cost shot at D.J. Chark, but definitely bring back Justin Watson.

This officially lets you move on from Mecole Hardman, though.

OT: Brown, Jr-Thuney-Humphrey-Smith-Duncan is the goal. Need some depth at T (I still like Andre Dillard as an option there).

So. Thoughts?

[OKchiefs]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Of course they couldn’t move the ball well the 2nd half. Juju, Toney, Watson and Hardman all out. Mahomes not very mobile at all.

Uh yeah. Of course it was hard for us.

as I just explained, prior to the offseason that’s the same group we have going into 2023. Maybe they sign Juju and/or Hardman, but the idea that they just kick the can at WR yet again doesn’t really make sense. We already know a rookie will take time to acclimate under Reid. Let’s say KC pushes WR to 2024, you’re likely waiting until 2025 at the earliest to hope you might possibly have a playmaker at receiver.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

as I just explained, prior to the offseason that’s the same group we have going into 2023. Maybe they sign Juju and/or Hardman, but the idea that they just kick the can at WR yet again doesn’t really make sense. We already know a rookie will take time to acclimate under Reid. Let’s say KC pushes WR to 2024, you’re likely waiting until 2025 at the earliest to hope you might possibly have a playmaker at receiver.

Well, that's the idea behind spending an early pick on a WR.

If I was pairing a full offseason review with this mock draft, I'd have included an offseason move or 2 there.

Hyatt would presumably slot into the Hardman role in Year 1, where he has a package that schemes getting him the ball. That's an easier path to Year 1 success (and something we saw with both Hill and Hardman - when Hill missed time during his rookie year).

You're probably backing that up with a FA strike for another veteran WR to start and run a large portion of snaps. I'd assume they use Skyy Moore as the successor to Smith-Schuster.

Which, if that's the case, I probably try to make that FA target someone who is comfortable and good at finding soft spots in zone and sitting down, like Smith-Schuster is (and Moore is not, yet).

And regarding the AFC title game second half, the reserves you bring up in-game are always going to look rougher in that game than they would with a full week of starters reps...

[Shoes]

Next season I see Toney being the replacement for Juju, I think Toney's strength is being able to win short + intermediate routes as his lateral movement is second to none when healthy. Toney just hasn't shown an ability to stay on the field though, so I think it's high risk.

I think Hardman leaves in free agency as well, I don't think he's developed into the player the Chiefs were hoping him to be. I do think the Chiefs will take a WR either in round 1 or 2 to add some skill into the WR room, it will be interesting to see what type of receiver (speed guy, more traditional outside receiver etc.) they end up drafting if they go that way. Watson has been a nice fit and I think the Chiefs will bring him back. Recs going into 2023:

-MVS
-Toney
-Skyy
-Watson
-John and Justyn Ross

Skyy would need to take a pretty big step forward, but I do think in free agency Veach would find a WR or two similar to the Juju and MVS signings that wouldn't break the bank. It is important that we find a dependable playmaker in the draft though that is cost/team controlled for a few years.

[OKchiefs]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Well, that's the idea behind spending an early pick on a WR.

If I was pairing a full offseason review with this mock draft, I'd have included an offseason move or 2 there.

Hyatt would presumably slot into the Hardman role in Year 1, where he has a package that schemes getting him the ball. That's an easier path to Year 1 success (and something we saw with both Hill and Hardman - when Hill missed time during his rookie year).

You're probably backing that up with a FA strike for another veteran WR to start and run a large portion of snaps. I'd assume they use Skyy Moore as the successor to Smith-Schuster.

Which, if that's the case, I probably try to make that FA target someone who is comfortable and good at finding soft spots in zone and sitting down, like Smith-Schuster is (and Moore is not, yet).

And regarding the AFC title game second half, the reserves you bring up in-game are always going to look rougher in that game than they would with a full week of starters reps...

I understand that, was responding to the idea that we should wait and see what we have in MVS before investing further at WR. It’s not like WR has to be a 1st round pick, but it’s important enough of a position that you should be taking one nearly every year. I would say it would be enough taking them in the 2nd/3rd like the Steelers do every year, but the difference is the Steelers actually make decent picks there more often than not.

You’re right on the take about reserves not showing their full potential when coming in mid-game, probably not a fair assessment. Of course, of the reserves we had available Skyy Moore is the only one who MIGHT eventually amount to something. Maybe Justyn Ross has something to offer next year.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Yeah, the dream draft as it stands would be to nab both Tennessee products, but I’m not sold on the feasibility of Wright lasting until pick 50.

Probably not smart to take TWO character risks in the same draft. Good call on Cox.

Nah, I disagree.

I absolutely trust THIS staff and THIS lockerroom to get any troubled kids on track. I mean, it's really the ideal place to land.

And picking where we pick, any top flight talents that are in reach are going to have some red flags...or they wouldn't be in reach.

I don't mind it.

[staylor26]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

And how will that change in 2023? As of now Juju and Hardman are gone, and Toney is still made of glass. So kind of looks like the 2023 depth chart for now is pretty damn similar to what we saw in that game.

Yea, I'm sure they will ignore the position in free agency...

Exactly how many time does Veach have to drag his nuts all over your face before he gets the benefit of the doubt?

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

as I just explained, prior to the offseason that’s the same group we have going into 2023. Maybe they sign Juju and/or Hardman, but the idea that they just kick the can at WR yet again doesn’t really make sense. We already know a rookie will take time to acclimate under Reid. Let’s say KC pushes WR to 2024, you’re likely waiting until 2025 at the earliest to hope you might possibly have a playmaker at receiver.

Wha?

Toney is under contract, although an injury issue guy. Get Julie on the case!
Watson would be cheap to re-sign and I'd be shocked if we didn't.
MVS is under contract.
Hardman-after missing half of the year and the SB, I would just about bet the house he comes back on a one year cheap deal to try and raise his value for '24.

I agree that Moore can take a lot of the Juju snaps, although he'd do it in a different way.

I'm all for taking a WR somewhere in the first two days of the draft, and probably doing it every year, but we were down to MVS and Moore in the AFCCG. The cupboard isn't nearly that empty next year.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by Titty Meat

Would you guys trade up to grab a Hyatt or Addison?

Hyatt if it only required a handful of spots. Addison no.

I'm not real big on moving the Earth and the Sun to get a WR. I do think Hyatt could have a profound impact for a team like KC but there are some other receivers I'm high on too that won't require a big move in the 1st.

[O.city]

Man, I'd really like to bring Hardman back I think. He's just 25. If you could get him on a 3 year deal...I think it works well for him and the Chiefs.

[O.city]

If not, I'd sign Slayton to a MVS type contract and draft a guy.

[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

Nah, I disagree.

I absolutely trust THIS staff and THIS lockerroom to get any troubled kids on track. I mean, it's really the ideal place to land.

And picking where we pick, any top flight talents that are in reach are going to have some red flags...or they wouldn't be in reach.

I don't mind it.

There are a hell of a lot more than "some" red flags with Cox though. Arrests is one thing but he can't function within a system. He was kicked off the team in Georgia and Florida for being combative with coaches. Even the best locker rooms can't make that fixable.

[OKchiefs]

Originally Posted by staylor26

Yea, I'm sure they will ignore the position in free agency...

Exactly how many time does Veach have to drag his nuts all over your face before he gets the benefit of the doubt?

Sure, they'll possibly find a bargain bin depth piece in FA, but there's nobody in FA that's a true difference maker and if there was we wouldn't be able to afford them. KC is going to have to somehow, some way, manage to eventually find a difference maker at WR in the draft. I know everyone looks at 2022 and sees the patchwork WR group as a huge success that can be replicated every year, but that was predicated on Kelce continuing to be all world. When Kelce stopped finding the endzone the last part of the season it was McKinnon who picked up the slack, not the WRs. I sure as hell may be wrong, but I don't think that's sustainable year after year. Drafting slot/#3 WRs in the 2nd round every year isn't going to cut it.

I guess I quite enjoy Veach's nuts on my face...

[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

Sure, they'll possibly find a bargain bin depth piece in FA, but there's nobody in FA that's a true difference maker and if there was we wouldn't be able to afford them. KC is going to have to somehow, some way, manage to eventually find a difference maker at WR in the draft. I know everyone looks at 2022 and sees the patchwork WR group as a huge success that can be replicated every year, but that was predicated on Kelce continuing to be all world. When Kelce stopped finding the endzone the last part of the season it was McKinnon who picked up the slack, not the WRs. I sure as hell may be wrong, but I don't think that's sustainable year after year. Drafting slot/#3 WRs in the 2nd round every year isn't going to cut it.

I guess I quite enjoy Veach's nuts on my face...

When one guy drops off another guy picks it up. That's the only way success in the NFL is sustainable. Even a "difference maker" at WR can't be the only guy scoring or he won't be a difference maker for long.

[OKchiefs]

Originally Posted by O.city

Man, I'd really like to bring Hardman back I think. He's just 25. If you could get him on a 3 year deal...I think it works well for him and the Chiefs.

I don't see why either party would do a 3 year deal. Hardman's value is clearly down after missing the past 2-3 months. I don't see why he would agree to a 3 year deal, because at this point I don't think a team should offer him any more than $5 million a year. If he was to take a 3 year/$15 million deal I think KC would be smart to take that, but IMO he should rehab his value on a 1-year deal and enter FA again in 2024.

Also, I don't really see anything Hardman does that Toney can't do IF he's healthy. Hardman has value, but he's still basically the same player he always was. He's valuable as a gadget player, but he's not a starting outside WR. Toney can operate in that same gadget role, if healthy, although Toney might actually be able to develop into more than Hardman ever could, if healthy.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by O.city

Man, I'd really like to bring Hardman back I think. He's just 25. If you could get him on a 3 year deal...I think it works well for him and the Chiefs.

I'm not giving him 3 years I think 1 year deals while he can still provide depth is fine especially with Toney has yet to demonstrate he can stay healthy