Could free agency keep the Chiefs from drafting Rueben Bain Jr.?
Examining the cause and effect of the Chiefs free agency approach on defense
This is part two of a series examining how free agency could alter the Chiefs’ draft strategy. You can check out part one here.
We are less than three weeks from the start of NFL free agency. Things will really be heating up at the NFL Combine. The outlook on draft prospects and free agency will start to take shape in Indianapolis next week, where the rumors (and plenty of truth to some) will start flying. The top five prospects will be better understood amidst the scuttlebutt, and the top free agent destinations will be all but known.
The answers for the Chiefs’ offseason approach are coming. Soon, we will start to see the shape it forms and how it affects what the Chiefs will do at the end of April at the NFL Draft. (By the way, our Chiefs-specific NFL Draft book is available for pre-order now.)
The number of directions this offseason could go is many. The dominoes of the decisions this team makes in addressing the current state of the roster will carry all the way into the draft. It will be the biggest challenge of Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s time in Kansas City to have a roster that could play week one by the time free agency ends. It’s his goal every year, but he’ll be tested to accomplish it.
Last week, we looked at how the offensive free agency strategy alters the draft. It’s the defense’s turn this week.
Defensive End
It would not surprise me if the highest free agent investment this offseason was an addition to the defensive end room. With Mike Danna likely to be released, the group will be led by George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte. Beyond that, there are no consistent options on the team’s roster.
The team needs significant improvements up front. If the team spends money on a player like Seattle EDGE Boye Mafe on a multi-year deal, that should not close the door on them taking a defensive end with their first pick in the draft.
If Rueben Bain Jr. (an ideal defensive end for the Chiefs despite the arm length concerns) or whatever top defensive end the team has on their board were still available, the free agency strategy shouldn’t alter it. The team needs help up front, and you can never have too many defensive linemen.
A front with George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, Rueben Bain Jr., and Boye Mafe on third downs would be enticing.
Defensive Tackle
The Chiefs’ entire defensive tackle budget has seemingly been tied up in Chris Jones’ contract over the last few seasons. Outside of him, the team hasn’t made big financial investments at the position.