Chiefs fans might want to temper their expectations for what the draft will bring them in the first round.
The NFL draft is hardly a perfect science, and each year there’s numerous challenges. Navigating the draft to ensure that your team selects the best possible player can be difficult.
The Chiefs have the draft capital to maneuver a trade up, but right now their scheduled to pick at No. 29 in the 2019 NFL draft. If you look back at the past decade of selections in that spot, it doesn’t build a whole lot of confidence about getting a player who can make a significant impact.
Here’s a brief look at the players selected at the no. 29 spot over the last 10 seasons:
- Taven Bryan DT Jaguars – 2018
Bryan had minimal impact for the Jaguars during his first year. Pick success is still to be determined.
- David Njoku TE Browns – 2017
Njoku improved in his second season, but only marginally after starting 14 games fro the Browns. Jury is still out on this draft pick.
- Robert Nkemdiche DT Cardinals – 2016
Nkemdiche didn’t have great success in his first two seasons. In 2018 he finally put together a nice season, but suffered a knee injury that ended his season prematurely.
- Phillip Dorsett WR Colts – 2015
Dorsett was traded before the end of his first contract. That’s usually a sign indicative of a failed draft pick.
- Dominique Easley DT Patriots – 2014
Dominique Easley is massively talented, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy thus far during his career. Injuries have ended seasons for him with both the Patriots and the Rams.
- Cordarrelle Patterson WR Vikings – 2013
Patterson was largely considered a bust until the Patriots resurrected his career in 2018. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots last season.
- Harrison Smith DB Vikings – 2012
Smith is certainly my favorite pick of the bunch. During the course of his career he’s amassed 20 interceptions, nearly 400 tackles, and 12 sacks. Probably the most productive player at No. 29 thus far.
- Gabe Carimi OT Bears – 2011
This former Outland Trophy winner was a massive disappointment in the NFL. Carimi didn’t last on the Bears through his rookie contract. He was out of the NFL by the 2016 season.
- Kyle Wilson CB Jets – 2010
Wilson was the nickel CB in a defense that boasted Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis. Eventually joined the Saints in 2015, but retired in his seventh NFL season.
- Hakeem Nicks WR Giants – 2009
Possibly the most successful career out of the bunch. Nicks won Super Bowl XLVI with the Giants and was their best receiver during the game. He played for eight seasons in the NFL.
Out of the 10 players drafted at No. 29 since 2009, only Nicks and Smith can really be considered for a successful career. That’s a 20% hit rate in the last decade. Only Nicks and Patterson have Super Bowl rings. Several of the players on this list have dealt with injury. Carimi is easily the biggest bust of all the players. Nkemdiche, Njoku, and Bryan still have a lot to prove before anyone can really make a true determination on those players.
Unless this draft is vastly different from the last 10 seasons, it feels like the Chiefs need to get quite lucky when they turn in their draft card next month.
