Chiefs 2021 Draft Recap

The 2021 NFL Draft recently came and went, with the Kansas City Chiefs making six selections. Overall, the Chiefs’ draft is being graded very highly at first glance, which should be music to every Chiefs fan’s ears.

Despite trading their first round pick just days before the draft, Kansas City still added a ton of potential value to its already Super Bowl-ready roster. From adding offensive line depth to a hard-hitting linebacker to pair with Willie Gay, Kansas City looks to have hit on a lot of picks.

While news about training camp and fan attendance have not yet been announced, the Chiefs did announce that the 2021 regular season schedule will be released on May 12th. Once the schedule is released, single game tickets will be available to purchase. | CHIEFS TICKETS

But while we wait for the official schedule release, let’s take a look at the Chiefs’ draft selections, as well as their undrafted free agent signings.

2nd Round (No. 58) | Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Nick Bolton is a player that may not have a huge impact on the 2021 Chiefs, but he will certainly make his presence known. Bolton has a reputation for being a bit undersized, but he has great instincts and packs a punch with every hit.

Bolton should pair nicely with Willie Gay, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2020. With Bolton and Gay, Kansas City has its one-two punch at linebacker, we just may not see it until 2022. Look for Bolton to provide strong depth for Kansas City in 2021 while competing for playing time, similar to Gay in 2020.

2nd Round (No. 63) | Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

After falling 31-9 to Tampa Bay to close out last season, offensive line was a clear point of emphasis for Kansas City this offseason. Well, the drafting of Creed Humphrey certainly addresses the center position nicely. Humphrey checks all the boxes for Kansas City, and should instantly become a fan favorite for years to come.

Humphrey was the anchor of Oklahoma’s offensive line for years, and his incredible football IQ and strong pass protection should help him to earn a starting spot on Kansas City’s line in 2021. One exciting stat that should get Chiefs fans excited: Humphrey never allowed a sack in college!

4th Round (No. 144) | Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida St.

This pick is probably the biggest risk/reward for Kansas City, but the Chiefs brass must have felt it was 100% worth it. Kaindoh was a tad inconsistent in college, but his size fits well within Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Don’t expect Kaindoh to make an immediate impact, but he could become extremely valuable for Kansas City in the future. Many are comparing this pick to Tanoh Kpassagnon, but Kaindoh boasts a much higher ceiling according to many experts.

5th Round (No. 162) | Noah Gray, TE, Duke

Chiefs GM Brett Veach traded up to get Noah Gray, which should tell you everything you need to know about the player. Fans on twitter have already given Gray, who wore 87 at Duke, a nickname: Baby Zeus.

Kansas City has been lacking a second tight end for years, but Gray could fill that void nicely. If he can pick up the offense quickly and mesh with Patrick Mahomes, yikes. Gray has the potential to be a versatile playmaker playing opposite Kelce.

5th Round (No. 181) | Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson

Cornell Powell provides Kansas City with exceptional value in the fifth round. Powell led Clemson in multiple receiving categories as a senior in 2020, and is a terrific route runner.

Powell should not be expected to step in and fill the Sammy Watkins role, but he has the potential to find a sweet spot on the roster. If nothing else, Powell adds depth and competition to the receiving corps for the Chiefs.

6th Round (No. 226) | Trey Smith, G, Tennessee

Potential value is the name of the game in later rounds, and that is what Kansas City gets with Trey Smith. Smith was a projected first or second round pick by many before he ran into health issues (blood clots). Smith has been healthy ever since his initial health scare, and could turn into one of the biggest steals in the draft if he can maintain his health.

If we learned anything from the end of the 2020 season, its that you can never have too much offensive line depth. The Chiefs added depth, and a potential starter down the line, with this pick.

After the draft concluded, Kansas City also reportedly signed multiple undrafted free agents, including:

  • Zayne Anderson, LB, BYU
  • Shane Buechele, QB, SMU
  • Riley Cole, LB, S. Alabama
  • Devon Key, S, Western Kentucky
  • Dicaprio Bootle, DB, Nebraska
  • Marlon Character, Jr., DB, Louisville
  • Malik Herring, DE, Georgia

2021 Chiefs Schedule Information

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