The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone. Pro days have already begun and before we know it the 2019 NFL draft will arrive.
As I catch up watching the on-field workouts from the combine, there is some more clarity surrounding the results and what the Chiefs need to do in free agency and the 2019 NFL draft. Here are four takeaways elicited from the event:
Is there a first round corner for the Chiefs?
It feels like there is a ton of corner talent in the 2019 NFL draft, but none of them seem to be worthy of a first round pick. I detailed the Chiefs’ dilemma at corner surrounding the results of the combine previously.
All of the guys who were expected to test well didn’t. The players who were fringe first round prospects didn’t test convincingly enough to firmly say, “They’re the guy I’d take in the first round.” Greedy Williams had the best performance, but he’s been the consensus No. 1 even with questions surrounding his effort levels.
So what’s left for the Chiefs at pick No. 29? DeAndre Baker had a bad combine. So he should be available. Byron Murphy looked good in drills, but at a larger weight he only ran a 4.55 40-yard dash. That’s too slow for a first round corner, no matter how you dice his tape.
Trayvon Mullen and Amani Oruwariye both did enough in my eyes to be in the conversation. The Chiefs could even look at a potential riser like Justin Layne. The problem still remains that each of these players has something about them that makes you scratch your head. Be it their tape, combine performance, or otherwise. For a franchise that’s heavily relying on this draft class moving forward, can you even have a shadow of doubt about the player you’re drafting the first round? I’m not so sure.
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Chiefs shouldn’t overpay for a free agent safety
The 2019 free agent safety class is absolutely bloated. Earl Thomas, Landon Collins, Eric Weddle, Tyrann Mathieu, Tre Boston, Lamarcus Joyner, HaHa Clinton-Dix, Adrian Amos, Kenny Vaccaro, and the list goes on for ages.
Kansas City obviously has the need and desire to upgrade their safety group. The Chiefs couldn’t rely on them last season and injuries really decimated the entire group. There are rumors floating around that the Chiefs are heavily interested in Giants safety Landon Collins. They were also one of the teams reported in the mix for the safety ahead of the 2018 trade deadline.
The Chiefs need to slow their roll before they hand out a massive contract to a player like Collins though. The combine showed that this safety class is actually quite deep. Eight players finished under a 4.5 40-yard dash time. With the struggles in the corner class there is even some talk that the NFL could ask some of those guys to transition to playing safety.
If the Chiefs are looking for a veteran, they might be smart to choose a guy like Eric Weddle. Bring him in on an incentive-laden contract. Then draft some younger players and let them develop, instead of sinking big money into a multi-year commitment on a player like Collins.
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Running back can wait
If the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine proved one fact, it’s that the Chiefs can wait to take a running back.
This class is packed with all sorts of talent at the position. The top-5 times in the 40-yard dash came from guys who’ve been considered middle-to-late round prospects. When you consider the full body of work from the combine you have guys like Alex Barnes, Ryquell Armstead, Alexander Mattison, and more coming in at the top of the pack.
Sure there will be some guys who get a big boost from their performances, like Penn State RB Miles Sanders. The RB position is historically one of the least valued positions in the NFL though. With the depth of this class, the Chiefs should be able to find good value on a player later in the draft, especially if none of them get drafted in the first round.
The Chiefs aren’t looking for someone to come in and immediately replace Damien Williams. They like him and he’s the consensus starter moving forward. They need a guy who can be prepared to step in if injuries strike the Chiefs’ backfield again. A guy who can play a role and maybe contribute on special teams in the meantime.
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Take a slot receiver
This is a good class to need a receiver. The Chiefs don’t necessarily need to add a receiver, but they are losing some key depth pieces in Chris Conley and DeAnthony Thomas. Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill can both play any of the receiver spots. Demarcus Robinson is more of an X receiver. Travis Kelce lines up in the slot often. Still the Chiefs don’t have one receiver dedicated to that spot.
I’m a fan of bigger and faster slot receivers because they can box defenders out on those quick throws. There’s a few guys in that class who fit that description, but also some smaller guys who win with speed.
I could see the Chiefs sniffing around this slot receiver class. They could take a look at some of the top performers at the combine, or they could venture out and look at a player like Georgia State’s Penny Hart. They did take Albert Wilson from Georgia State in 2014 and turn him into a pretty good professional.
Either way there’s value to be had at the slot receiver position and the Chiefs should be all over it. Especially before they go searching for free agent help at the wide receiver position.
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