It’s not football season yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t score a little offseason excitement (or start stocking up on some Chiefs merch). It’s time for the 2022 NFL Draft, and although it’s not in Kansas City (that’s next year), this year has big implications for our home team.
We talked with Arrowhead Pride’s editor-in-chief, Pete Sweeney, to answer: Why watch the Draft? We also went long on some details.
Why watch the Draft?
The Draft is like the beginning of a good book. Think about Patrick Mahomes. He was drafted in 2017 + many thought he was an undisciplined gunslinger. But anyone watching him from the beginning saw his quick evolution, leading the Chiefs to the Super Bowl LIV win.
“[The Draft is] one of these pillar events,” Pete said. “You get to meet your new rookies up close and personal.”
Draft details
- When: Thurs., April 28 at 7 p.m.
- Chiefs picks: 12 (tied for most in the league)
- 32 picks per round (262 total with special selections)
- Thursday: 1st round (Pick No. 29 + 30)
- Friday: 2nd + 3rd rounds (Pick No. 50, 62, 94 + 103)
- Saturday: 4th-7th rounds (Pick No. 121, 135, 233, 243, 251 + 259)
- Note: the Chiefs could make a trade to move up in line.
Three positions in need
- The edge | When it came to the AFC Championship loss last year, Mahomes was getting pressured and Joe Burrow was not. That’s a containment + line problem that falls on the edge positions.
- Cornerback | The Chiefs’ pass defense was a point of contention last year — starting with their Chargers loss and allowing opponents big points throughout the year. With cornerback Charvarius Ward gone + Tyrann Mathieu replaced, KC lacks pass defense.
- Wide receiver | Tyreek Hill. Enough said.
“Are they going to be as explosive without Tyreek Hill? Hell no [...] But can they still win as many games? I think yeah, but it’s going to look a lot different,” Pete said.
A different kind of team
Earlier this offseason, The Chiefs signed safety Justin Reid as Tyrann Mathieu explored free agency. Then the news of KC’s Tyreek trade broke on March 23 — NFL insiders reported the six-time Pro Bowler went for five Draft picks, including KC’s No. 29 pick overall. These moves make it seem the Chiefs are moving in a different direction.
“It’s a youth movement, and it’s a little nerve-wracking,” Pete said. “It’s a regime change.”
Pete said Patrick Mahomes has gotten expensive, so it makes sense the Chiefs are looking toward younger, less costly players. However, getting rid of Hill may mean a different style of offense, even with additional receiving power from Juju Smith-Schuster + Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
“I think it’s going to be much more of a group effort,” Pete said.
