Plain and simple, the Chiefs need more help out wide. Dwayne Bowe is suffering from an off year and several of the other receivers are headed for free agency. With a late-first-round pick, the Chiefs need to improve on their receiving corps. Matthews is a big, physical receiver who plays faster than his 40 time shows. He has very reliable hands and the frame to box out smaller defenders. When he finally gets to playing with a quality quarterback, there’s no telling how high the ceiling is with Matthews.
While Smith has been a pleasant surprise this season, the Chiefs need to consider looking for a quality quarterback who can eventually take over as their starter. Murray has the productivity to back up his billing as a mid-round talent, and definitely has the tools to evolve into a starter in the NFL. His height and decision-making will be concerns leading up to the draft, but the potential is there and the Chiefs would be wise to roll the dice with Murray.
One of the biggest pieces the Chiefs are missing on offense is a consistent tight end who can make an impact as a receiver and a blocker. Anthony Fasano has held his own, but another capable tight end is needed moving forward. Lynch is a well-rounded player who has the speed/athleticism combo to make plays as a pass-cathcer, as well as the strength/technique to be a reliable blocker. Smith needs more weapons to work with, and Lynch would be an excellent addition to the arsenal.
There’s no denying that Derrick Johnson is a productive inside linebacker, but Akeem Jordan hasn’t exactly been a consistent playmaker this season. Moving forward, the Chiefs would be better off with a more reliable option at the other inside spot. Bullough is one of the top run defenders in the 2014 class, using elite instincts and vision to mirror anything the offense throws at him. His straight-line speed is underwhelming, but he plays fast and is a capable cover linebacker. Definitely a steal in the fifth round.
The Chiefs clearly have a talented defensive line, but free agency and depth are reasons behind the selection of Hart here. Tyson Jackson is scheduled to be a free agent in 2014, and Kansas City doesn’t have a plethora of depth along their 3-4 front. Hart is a physical, versatile lineman with the ability to play either defensive end or defensive tackle. He’s been a productive player for the Ducks, and should develop into a quality rotational defender in the NFL.
With so many questions at receiver, why not add another one to the mix? Especially with so few holes in the roster, the Chiefs can afford to splurge on the position heading into 2014. Jones is a reliable target who uses excellent hands and a competitive attitude to make plays. Although he’s a bit limited in terms of speed, leaping ability and natural playmaking instincts, the Notre Dame product has a nice skill set that should translate to a respectable NFL career.
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Content Planner for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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