Chiefs Climb Up Draft Board to Secure Big Name for First Round!
After signing RB Kenneth Walker III, this mock draft has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting a dominant offensive tackle to replace Taylor.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a huge free agency splash when it signed reigning Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to begin the negotiation period last Monday. Walker, 25, signed a three-year, $43 million contract worth up to $45 million to join the Chiefs which basically kicked off free agency. He’s coming off an incredible season in which he rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries, doing so while splitting carries with backup running back Zach Charbonnet.
The dual-threat RB has provided incredible value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield as well, catching 31 passes for 282 yards, showcasing his ability to gain yards after the catch despite 13 yards per reception being the lowest mark in his career. Walker is dynamic and known for electricity and explosiveness on the ground. He had 10 carries that went for 20 or more yards, something both Chiefs running backs (Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco) combined to do just once.
The Chiefs feared that if the running back position didn’t get solved in free agency, it would run the risk of missing out on the top RB prospect in the draft due to drafting from the No. 9 position and being stuck without a game-changer. Standout Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love was projected to land with the Chiefs during early mock drafts, but with him being the best prospect in the draft, there’s always the chance that he gets selected before Kansas City has the chance to pick him.
Word at the scouting combine said, “don’t let Love fall to the Chiefs. ” If the Chiefs already addressed RB, what does the organization do with the ninth-overall pick? After cutting right tackle Jawaan Taylor for salary cap relief, Kansas City needs to find his replacement.