Kansas City Chiefs Draft Grades
How did the Chiefs do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Kansas City Chiefs draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 2: No. 58 – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
The Chiefs first round pick went to Baltimore for Orlando Brown Jr. As we saw in the Super Bowl, even Patrick Mahomes can’t win when he’s under duress the entire game. Now onto Nick Bolton, who is a nice value pick here. Bolton is strong and fast, but a little light for a linebacker. He’s also a hard hitter and a smart player, but his quickness and change of direction speed could use work. Still, the Chiefs managed to grab a starter late in the second round. It’s a strong start to the draft for the Chiefs. Grade: A-
Round 2: No. 63 – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Another excellent pick late in the second round. Humphrey is an athletic freak who played three great years of high level college ball at Oklahoma. If teams took the center position seriously, he would have been a first round pick. I think Humphrey starts right away over Austin Blythe, but if it’s not immediately, then it will be soon. Grade: A+
Round 4: No. 144 (compensatory) – Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida State
Another physical marvel joins the Chiefs. Kaindoh is big, has long arms, powerful legs, and pretty good speed. The issue with Kaindoh is that he’s inconsistent, but I suppose that’s why he’s available in the fourth round. Kaindoh’s ceiling is as high as any edge player in the draft. If the Chiefs can coach him up, and make him a consistent player, then he’s a real steal. Grade: B+
Round 5: No. 162 (from MIA through LV and NYJ) – Noah Gray, TE, Duke
A member of the Chiefs pass catching corps is really quick and fast? Color me surprised. The Chiefs obviously aren’t looking for a starting tight end, but Gray could give the Chiefs some different looks. Kansas City could line up with multiple tight ends to try and switch it up a bit. He’s a little small for an NFL tight end, but he’s got a blazing 40 time and 3 cone drill, fast and quick. Whether he’s a big wide receiver or small tight end, Gray could be a guy to watch the next few years, especially in the Chiefs offense. Grade: B+
Round 5: No. 181 (compensatory) – Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson
Surprisingly, not a blazing fast receiver, but Powell is an explosive athlete. Powell only had one year as a starter, as he was stuck behind a bunch of early NFL draft picks. He did have a good year, but it’s scary that there’s only one real year of tape on him. Still, Powell was expected to go one or two rounds earlier than this, so it’s nice value for the Chiefs. Finally, Powell did return some kicks, so maybe they try him out on special teams. Grade: B
Round 6: No. 226 (from CAR through NYJ) – Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
Trey Smith is a huge offensive guard with excellent athleticism. Simply put, Smith should have gone much earlier than this. I believe he fell because of the blood clots in his lungs, but as I’ve stated many times, NFL teams poke and prod and inspect health as thoroughly as anyone in the world. The Chiefs must feel comfortable with Smith’s health to take him. If Smith is healthy, this is an absolute steal. He’s played multiple positions on the line, and if he’s completely healthy, I could see him challenging Laurent Duvernay-Tardif for a starting spot early. Amazing pick. Grade: A+
Analyst-Jonah Anderson
Overall Grade: A
