While there are still a few interesting free agents remaining on the open market, the vast majority of the Kansas City Chiefs offseason moves have already been made. With that in mind, PFF’s Sam Monson recently released offseason grades for all 32 teams and gave the Chiefs a “B”, which is certainly an interesting choice.
PFF Gives Kansas City Chiefs “B” Offseason Grade
The Rationale
Monson begins his explanation by addressing the Chiefs biggest offseason addition: Jawaan Taylor. Calling it a “huge cost,” the PFF analyst notes that Taylor “was initially supposed to play on the left side, but the team has since signed Donovan Smith and will likely keep Taylor on the right side, where he has been an excellent pass blocker.” Monson appears to think Taylor is worth the money, and he also calls Charles Omenihu, Mike Edwards, and Drue Tranquill “solid additions”.
1 minute worth of a look at some of the new #Chiefs acquisitions .. Richie James, Blaine Gabbert, Donovan Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Charles Omenihu and Drue Tranquill. pic.twitter.com/0Az626uu0B
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) May 24, 2023
That covers free agency, but the 2023 NFL Draft was arguably the biggest part of the Chiefs offseason. Monson was not impressed with the first-round selection of Felix Anudike-Uzomah, but he seems to be interested in Rashee Rice, noting that he has “enigmatic tape at SMU and now goes to Andy Reid to see what he can become at the NFL level.” Monson also mentions Wanya Morris, but refers to him only as “the third project tackle the team has drafted in recent years.”
Is This Chiefs Offseason Grade Justified?
Before we go too deep into this, let’s acknowledge that the Chiefs offseason grade will not reflect their record in 2023. As long as Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback and Andy Reid is the head coach, this team will be among the best in the league. That being said, a “B” feels a little too high when there were so many questionable transactions.
Orlando Brown didn’t have the best season last year, so you can’t blame the organization for not making an absurd offer. However, it’s hard to explain why they’d be frugal with Brown only to hand out a massive deal to Taylor. Taylor is staying on the right side of the line, leaving an objectively bad Donovan Smith to guard the blind side. On paper, the offensive line will be worse in 2023 than they were in 2022.
Additionally, the Chiefs did not improve their offensive weapons during the offseason. Travis Kelce is still elite, but the wide receiver depth chart is one of the worst in the league. After losing Juju Smith-Schuster in free agency, the team is banking on a variety of unknown players to step up. Again, Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback and Andy Reid is the head coach, so the offense will be good, but the lack of playmakers is a problem.
Additionally, the Chiefs never found a proper replacement for Frank Clark. Perhaps Felix Anudike-Uzomah is ready to start from Day 1, but you never want to put too much faith in a rookie drafted with the final pick of the first round. Perhaps the Chiefs could clear up some cap space with a Chris Jones extension and use the additional money to sign a stopgap like Jadeveon Clowney.
Main Photo: Trevor Ruskowski – USA Today Sports
