Arrowheadlines: The Chiefs have 221 players on their draft board

Chiefs headlines for Saturday, April 20

The latest

Five Things We Learned from GM Brett Veach’s Pre-Draft Presser | The Mothership

4. Veach also revealed how many prospects are on the Chiefs’ draft board heading into next week.

“It’s 221 – which is a lot – but I have guys in the sixth or seventh round on my board [even though] I always know that we’ll never get to the sixth or seventh round,” Veach said. “The total number of players on the board is 221, but in my mind, there’s kind of like a line right there and those guys in six and seven we keep on the board because that’s where I want to work [from] on free agency, so I know where I’m going as soon as the draft is over. The guys that we have on the board [in the] sixth and seventh – again, we’ll have plenty of numbers and we’ll never get to them – but that’s my free agency board.”

Veach was referring to the rookie free agency period immediately following the draft, which can be a frenzy as teams attempt to sign their favorite undrafted free agent prospects. The Chiefs have found numerous contributors during that time over the years, including defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, offensive guard Mike Caliendo, cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe and linebacker Jack Cochrane, among others.

Ideal Pick for Every Team in 1st Round of 2024 NFL Draft | Bleacher Report

Kansas City Chiefs: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

At 6’3”, Brian Thomas Jr. looks the part of a physically imposing threat on the perimeter. And fine-tuning the smaller portions of his game (route-running/tempo/hands) will allow him to shine quickly in the NFL.

While his name could easily be called in the top 25 selections, falling to the Chiefs at No. 32 would be a dream for GM Brett Veach.

While the team added Marquise Brown and has a long list of rotational pieces present, presenting the frame of Thomas for Patrick Mahomes to feed with targets is an intriguing prospect.

Although Thomas was primarily used as a vertical threat at LSU, evolving at multiple depths while displaying an increased willingness to mix it up as a run-blocker will see his game evolve rapidly.

2024 NFL draft: Debating need, value for 32 Round 1 picks | ESPN

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Reid’s pick that fills a big need: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Don’t let the presence of Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice fool you — the Chiefs still want wide receiver help for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mitchell’s three-level ability as a pass-catcher fits well in Andy Reid’s scheme, as he can play on the perimeter and even sparingly in the slot. He had 11 touchdowns last season, showing great skill on contested-catch situations.

Miller’s pick that gets best value: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Rakestraw battled injuries this past season that held him back during the pre-draft process, but I love his feistiness at the line of scrimmage. That’s why he’s No. 32 on my final board, and he could help replace L’Jarius Sneed in Kansas City.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos wheel and deal, come away with a QB as five go in first round | CBS Sports

Round 1 – Pick 32

Adonai Mitchell WR

TEXAS • JR • 6’4” / 196 LBS

It made plenty of sense for the Chiefs to go after receiver in the draft, and the uncertainty around Rashee Rice only makes it a more significant need. Mitchell is not a complete player yet, but he’s big, talented, and as sure-handed as it gets.

Describing Every Team’s Nightmare 2024 NFL Draft in 1 Sentence | Bleacher Report

Kansas City Chiefs: The Raiders and Broncos both land high-potential quarterbacks in Round 1, immediately making life a lot more difficult in this division.

Around the NFL

Dak Prescott not sweating pace of Cowboys contract talks | ESPN

Prescott said negotiations have not really begun with the Cowboys on a new deal, although he had what he termed a “great conversation” with owner and general manager Jerry Jones about a month ago.

“I’m focused on here, right now where I am,” Prescott said Friday as he prepared to take part in the Children’s Cancer Fund’s “A Knight to Remember” gala, where he serves as a co-chair with Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. “That’s how I’ve always been. Anytime y’all have asked me, it’s always been about right now, getting better tomorrow. And I’ve been in this situation before, so it’s OK. I’m fine in any situation at that point betting on myself or playing this year out.”

Jets GM Joe Douglas still ‘open’ to trading QB Zach Wilson, but acknowledges he ‘is an asset’ | NFL.com

Zach Wilson’s days in New York are likely numbered. The Jets are prepared to move on from the No. 2 pick of the 2021 draft if an interested party makes a worthwhile offer, but they aren’t in a hurry.

“I know you guys talked to (Jets owner) Woody (Johnson) about Zach, and my thoughts are in line with Woody that Zach is an asset,” the Jets’ general manager said Friday. “At that same time, we’re obviously open to trading Zach. There have been discussions. Nothing’s really changed since we talked in Florida. We’re open to trading him, there’s just no news to report on that.”

Wilson has chosen to stay away from the team during the Jets’ voluntary workouts, an understandable decision given his status. Douglas didn’t expound much on the matter, deferring to the fact it’s a voluntary period, and a decision that is “for Zach to make if he wants to be here.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs Draft: 3 biggest questions ahead of Brett Veach’s presser

Does Rashee Rice’s situation impact the team’s need for a wide receiver?

Before Rice’s off-the-field situation (and what we can reasonably anticipate to be a suspension to start the NFL season), I thought Kansas City could select a receiver in the first round, anyway — especially if a player they loved made it to the “Trent McDuffie range” (21-31) and someone was willing to answer the phone.

Again, even before the Rice situation, I thought it was a good bet they would select two receivers before the end of Saturday. So, I’m not sure how much things have changed. But I have seen that it’s been a popular topic of interest in the city, and I could imagine Veach will weigh in.

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