The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft, which opens on April 24. What’s clear is that they’re aiming for a large move up within the first round with a purposefully constructed strategy. The Chiefs’ top priority continues to be rounding out the roster with younger players and building depth. Tough tackles like their new lefty Jaylon Moore are taking courageous steps into free agency. This smart, proactive move demonstrates their commitment to having a much-improved lineup going forward. By re-signing important pieces instead of exploring the free agent market, it’s evident that they are all-in on the 2018 season.
As the Chiefs’ pursuit of the highest draft pick possible begins, it does so with the history of recent big trades by other teams. Notably, the Washington Commanders recently exchanged the sixth overall pick with the Las Vegas Raiders, shaking up the draft order. The Minnesota Vikings taking Matt Kalil was a counterintuitive bold move, but it was bold. They traded it to the New England Patriots for picks 33 and 94. This trade reflects the Vikings’ desperate need to continue stocking up on draft capital and continue to add young, cheaper talent to their roster.
Along with the Chiefs’ grand plans, the Cleveland Browns are looking to make some gains in the draft. They’re planning on using quarterback Jaxson Dart in Wildcat type packages, which like to give them an interesting offensive wrinkle. If Dart or fellow QB Sanders is still on the board, Cleveland can get aggressive for the upside play. They could join Round 1 and catch a key resource for their upcoming story.
While teams plan single-mindedly through draft position, other franchises are simultaneously making plans for the approaching non-draft event. For one, the Atlanta Falcons seem pretty set with their edge rushers, and the Carolina Panthers have nine total picks. The Panthers are contemplating trading back to acquire additional picks for Day 2 of the draft, which they would likely allocate toward strengthening their defensive line and enhancing their wide receiver corps.
The excitement that accompanies the draft is palpable as every team evaluates their needs and considers making a trade. The Chiefs’ efforts to trade up signal their intent to remain competitive, while other teams are making calculated decisions that could reshape their rosters.
“Walker moved around well,” – Reid, an area scout from an NFC team.
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