When the 2022 NFL Draft ended the Kansas City Chiefs added 10 players to their roster.
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Kansas City Chiefs Reload for Another Run
Notably, five of the players added were located in the secondary to help lock down wide receivers. Especially when the game is on the line. Also, seven of the ten were on the defensive side. It’s obvious the focus this time around was made to address needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Getting cornerback Trent McDuffie at pick 21 started the plethora of run on defensive players.
With good some wheeling and dealing with the New England Patriots, the Chiefs got the player targeted from the beginning. Andy Reid acknowledged the desire to get him inside Chiefs Kingdom. “I’m excited that we got a corner,” said Reid after the draft. “Very seldom do you have the highest guy on the board, at the same time for us, and it be a position of need. And that’s normally when you try to go up and get that guy, trust your board.”
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Needs that Matter
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acknowledged the pleasant surprise — to see their guy available and make a move to go and get. The fact of the matter is, the team addressed the most important needs and filled the gaps with quality guys to step in right away.
“Sometimes when you’re going in there trying to address a specific position — obviously we wanted to add some depth on the defensive line and we wanted to add depth in the secondary — that all worked out,” said general manager Brett Veach.
“The corner position was a little different for us because when you go through this process and you talk about how they’d be implemented in our scheme and the interviews and the playbook stuff and medical stuff, sometimes your numbers aren’t as deep as you would believe, especially before the whole process starts. We were a little concerned not picking again until 29 and McDuffie is definitely gone. I think we were patient and when we had the opportunity, we made a move.”
Defense Remains the Focus
Defensive end George Karlaftis was another player the Chiefs wanted in the draft. Luckily, Karlaftis remained on the board long enough to join the Chiefs. He also talked with the media after the draft.
“I’m an all-around player that can do anything and everything that’s asked of him, so I think I can bring that to the table. I feel like I’m very consistent. I feel like my best football is ahead of me.”
This pick addresses another need for the Chiefs. Karlaftis is another player expected to come in and play immediately. The Chiefs were very fortunate to have the luxury of having all their wish players still on the board when their name was up.
Draft Prospects to Play Immediately for Chiefs
When the draft ended, the Chiefs added 10 new rookies to bring in for training camp. It’s more likely than not, a portion of those will not be there come September. In fact, half the picks came after the fourth round. Still, there will always be a surprise to come from the later rounds and undrafted free agents.
An intriguing prospect offensive tackle Darian Kinnard is one that stands out. Opportunity is there for a player to come in and play right tackle immediately. Kinnard is a guy fitting the mold. He thrives on absolute domination. The Chiefs had to be ecstatic to get him in the fifth round. Look for him to make an impact soon if not this year.
All in all, the Chiefs look the part of being the frontrunner once again. Even though the AFC West is loaded, Chiefs Kingdom has to be excited.
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