:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29280909/20121127_kkt_sc6_734.0.jpg)
The Kansas City Chiefs finally come into an offseason with more answers than questions.
They know who their head coach is, who the quarterback is, and most importantly, that they have a solid foundation of quality players. With 10 Pro Bowlers this season (eight voted in), the Chiefs are in a position where they are only a player or two away from being Super Bowl-caliber.
With the draft coming up in a couple of months, Kansas City has an opportunity to find those men, supplemented with free agency. Now that the Combine is complete, let's take a look at who some experts believe will be calling Arrowhead Stadium home next year:
CBS Sports' Will Brinson: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
If at first an LSU receiver can't open up the passing game, try, try again? Alex Smith needs someone other than Dwayne Bowe to catch balls and Beckham's a burner from the bayou who can improve the Chiefs vertical game and open up their passing attack.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
In guiding the Chiefs to an 11-5 record and a return to the playoffs, quarterback Alex Smith proved worthy of the trade to acquire him from the 49ers. He's a classic game-manager, however, who needs complementary playmakers around him to be at his best. Beckham is a dynamic athlete capable of providing the big plays necessary for the Chiefs to take the next step.
CBS Sports' Dane Brugler: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Besides Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs are lacking for impact targets in the passing game downfield. Lee is explosive down the field and if he stays healthy, he'll provide a productive option for Alex Smith opposite Dwayne Bowe.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
What else do you want? Beckham ran a 4.43 official 40 time at the combine, then chalked up a 38.5-inch vertical jump. He can catch and run, burn defenses deep and outmuscle defenders for 50-50 balls. This is precisely the type of weapon Kansas City’s offense is missing.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Beckham is very explosive and he's also one of the best returners in the draft.
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Cooks ran a 4.33 at the Combine and showed the type of ball skills that a prototype No. 1 receiver displays. He is small but runs the entire route tree extremely well, and Andy Reid will love having Cooks as a weapon.
Sporting News' Eric Galko: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Sammy Watkins is the best receiver in this class, and Texas A&M’s Mike Evans and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin get a majority of the attention, but Beckham could easily leave this class as the draft’s top receiver. Beckham fits perfectly into what Andy Reid wants to do offensively.
Draftek: Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville
A new sim and a new pick for the Chiefs. The Chiefs have made noises about using Sanders Commings at FS next year. While Commings has talent, he was also injured twice last year. He played in two games, recording one tackle. Is this someone you will hand the starting FS job to without bringing in competition? Chances are, the Chiefs are blowing smoke. Is Pryor a bit of a reach? Perhaps, perhaps not.
However, draft strategy may play a role here. The Chiefs could use upgrades at FS, WR and CB. The WR and CB positions are deep in this draft. The FS position is not. After Clinton-Dix and Pryor, there is a huge dropoff in talent. The Chiefs suffered last year with Kendrick Lewis' lack of range. Pryor brings range and big-hitting ability to the Chiefs. Pryor will need to clean up his angles and tackling technique. Both are teachable skills. He has the athletic talent to lock down the single high safety position for the Chiefs.