As we approach training camp, our friends over at Draft Wire have released brand new projections for the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL draft. It’s still early, but if you’re a fan of the high-powered Chiefs offense, this draft will get you excited about the future.
The one thing that has changed since the last projections for Kansas City is that they’re drafting at pick No. 31 in the first round and 63 in the second round. This mock draft order is determined by the latest Super Bowl odds from BetMGM, where the Chiefs are currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens at 13/2 odds. So it seems like the Ravens won the coin toss for these projections.
Below are some thoughts on the players Luke Easterling selected for Kansas City:
Round 1, Pick 31: Tennesee OL Trey Smith
Smith is a tone-setting offensive lineman with experience to play both the guard and tackle positions. At 6-6 and 320 pounds, he’s a massive human being that moves people with ease in the run game. He makes defenders look like they’re wearing skates as soon as he gets his hands on them. He also has that finisher mentality that coaches love, playing through the whistle. While his size is something that seems to help in the run game, it can hurt him in pass protection. At times he struggles with quicker defenders, but he plays with a good base and rely’s on his fundamentals when he misfires.
One thing that will have some teams concerned is his medical history, as he had issues with recurring blood clots in his lungs. It’ll be important to find out more about that at the combine and when players are allowed to visit team facilities. If his medicals check out Kansas City can’t go wrong with this player. He’ll add more protection for Patrick Mahomes and someone to clear the way for Clyde Edwards-Helaire to do his thing.
Hit the jump for some thoughts on the Chiefs’ pick in the second round.
Round 2, Pick 63: USC WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
This is an intriguing choice for the Chiefs because St. Brown fits as a replacement for Sammy Watkins, who is set to become a free agent in 2021. St. Brown has a similar size and profile to Watkins, listed at 6-1 and 195 pounds. He’s already a good route runner that plays physical at the catch point and he looks poised for another 1,000-yard season in 2020. He’s also quite good with the ball in his hands, breaking 18 tackles on his 77 catches in 2019 according to Pro Football Focus.
St. Brown’s father has trained him, alongside his two brothers, from a young age to become an all-pro football player. His older brother, Equanimeous, plays for the Green Bay Packers. It’s hard not to be intrigued by a player with that type of commitment to growing into the best possible player. He has a superior work ethic instilled in him already, now he just needs to find a good team fit to thrive in the NFL.
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