ESPN analyst makes questionable draft pick for the Chiefs in latest mock
The Kansas City Chiefs don't need many positions in this draft, and one ESPN analyst has them grabbing a guy that would be completely questionable. The Chiefs' biggest positions of need are easily right tackle, wide receiver, and pass rusher on the edge or maybe even on the interior. Nowhere in there did I say […]
The Kansas City Chiefs don't need many positions in this draft, and one ESPN analyst has them grabbing a guy that would be completely questionable.
The Chiefs' biggest positions of need are easily right tackle, wide receiver, and pass rusher on the edge or maybe even on the interior. Nowhere in there did I say they needed another tight end, let alone with their second pick in the draft?
One ESPN analyst thinks the Chiefs should and will draft a tight end at pick 63, their second pick in the draft. It's honestly questionable, especially when you factor in the other needs they have and the way the draft is set up in terms of depth at positions of need.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
A tight end to Kansas City? Travis Kelce will turn 34 this season, and while he has put together seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, the Chiefs have to start thinking long-term. LaPorta isn't Kelce. But LaPorta is talented: He dominates option routes and can box out defenders. He'll have to learn as a blocker, but his speed, burst, and agility can make him a high-ceiling starter.
-Matt Miller, ESPN
Sure, the Chiefs need to think long-term, eventually. This draft isn't for that. They don't need a tight end right now and won't need one for at least a few more years. Why take one with the second pick when there are far bigger needs and this team is trying to repeat as champions?
Here is what NFL.com thinks of LaPorta:
Highly targeted tight end whose playing style and physical abilities land somewhere between a connected (in-line or wing) and move tight end. LaPorta has the ability to threaten zone coverage and will make the basic catches. However, he lacks the desired elusiveness and ball skills to come away with the more challenging catches. LaPorta takes on run-blocking chores with inconsistent positioning but has the potential to improve with more work in that phase of the game. His catch production is splashy, but he appears to have average-starter potential at the next level.
Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jody Fortson, Kendall Blanton, and Matt Bushman are the tight ends on this roster as of right now. I'm not opposed to taking another tight end, but I am opposed to prioritizing it over right tackle or pass rush. I don't think the Chiefs will do this.
