NFL Mock Draft: a scenario in which the Chiefs go offense first

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense was the best in the NFL last year, while their defense was one of the worst.

The desire to fix the defense this offseason has been evident by both fans and even the Chiefs based upon some of their moves. The Chiefs have made strides to improve their defense with an entirely new defensive coaching staff, turnover along the defensive line, and adding pieces to the secondary. While the defense is still the weaker of the two units, there have been attempts to to improve that side of the ball as a whole.

This opens the Chiefs up to an interesting situation.

• What if the board falls poorly, as it has in so many mock scenarios this year, and the Chiefs aren’t left with any good value at 29 on defense?
• What if the Chiefs simply want to build upon their strength and make it stronger to ensure it remains what carries their team in the 2019 season?

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This scenario isn’t simply taking an offensive player to help keep the talent level high but rather emphasizing offense while expecting some needs on the defensive side of the ball to improve through moves already made. If the Chiefs feel they can survive with their current defensive end depth chart or make a move at a later date and want to focus some early resources on the offensive side of the ball, the draft could go an entirely different direction than most have been thinking.

On this week’s episode of the AP Laboratory, we explored that very option and came away with this draft.

29. WR AJ Brown, Ole Miss

The Chiefs select the safest, most well-rounded wide receiver that is NFL-ready in the slot, with outside WR1 potential. Brown’s route running, hands and physicality after the catch would fit in perfectly with the current wide receiver room.

61. CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson

Coming back around late in the second round, there is a chance cornerbacks are coming off the board quickly and the Chiefs have to reach a little to ensure they get a quality player. Mullen has scheme flexibility and is very physical both in the run and passing game.

63. IOL Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State

Don’t use a first-round pick on the interior offensive line. The end of the second is a great spot to add some top-flight competition to win the center job. Jenkins is a powerful blocker with good movement skills that could provide a long term center to help Patrick Mahomes.

92. IDL Trysten Hill, UCF

With the board falling the way it did and an inability to get good value early in the draft at defensive end, the move here was to go with another best player available. Luckily, it still fills a need, as the Chiefs have no interior pass rushers behind Chris Jones. Hill needs some seasoning, but his burst and energy level also provide a safety net as a rotational pass rusher.

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