How the Chiefs draft strategy changes without pick 29

So much changed about the landscape of the Kansas City Chiefs roster and the assets they have to improve it in the last 24 hours. Gone is the 29th pick in the draft, the Chiefs’ lowest 2020 second-round pick (sup, 64?) and pick 92. In are Frank Clark and pick 84.

We spent some time in this week’s episode of the AP Draft Show breaking down the trade for Clark and what it does to the Chiefs draft. Here were some takeaways.

Expect a cornerback early

And as early as possible. The Chiefs have answered a huge question mark on their defense by adding Clark. Now they need to address the other glaring issue. Both short and long-term, cornerback is a glaring need.

Here’s the list of cornerbacks on the Chiefs roster currently for 2020: Tremon Smith and Charvarius Ward. That’s it. That’s the list.

There are new potential trade-up scenarios to discuss

We’ve all talked a lot about the Chiefs aggressively moving up in the first round to lock up a cornerback or EDGE with their day two assets. Now, the moves could happen to move up in the second round.

Here are some trade scenarios that make sense, per the modern trade chart.

• Picks 61 and 63 could get you to pick 36. Maybe Byron Murphy is still available?
• Picks 61 and 84 could get you to 43.
• Maybe the Chiefs use a similar strategy to what they did with the Bengals last year with a two-for-two pick swap? Picks 61 and 63 are worth similar value to Minnesota’s 50 and 81. The Chiefs could keep the volume of picks but ensure a cornerback they like with a move like that.

The Chiefs may try to just hit it on the fairway

They’ve secured an excellent player with their draft capital. Maybe they just try to go safe the rest of the draft? You could see a strategy geared more toward players you know will contribute rather than a developmental player with a high ceiling? The Chiefs could just set out to find more Derrick Nnadi types: players with a quality trait or two that you know will contribute in some capacity on Sundays this season. Maybe they’d be more inclined to take a player that will contribute year one at cornerback like Julian Love instead of a high ceiling player like Isaiah Johnson?

Trading back is in play

If the Chiefs indeed do try to play it safe, why not ensure an extra pick by moving back from one of their second-round picks? Pick 61 is equal value to pick 75 and 114. Adding an asset gives them a chance to perhaps take a running back in the fourth round that could contribute in year one while still have 63, 75 and 84 to take players that can contribute in 2019 as well.

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