We're taking a look around the AFC West with a breakdown of our division rivals' offseasons. Next up is a look at the Kansas City Chiefs.
Key Additions: S Eric Berry (Franchise Tag), DE Jaye Howard (Re-Signed), ILB Derrick Johnson (Re-Signed), OT Mitchell Schwartz (Browns) OLB Tamba Hali (Re-Signed), S Jimmy Wilson (Chargers), S Stevie Brown (Giants), WR Rod Streater (Raiders)
Key Losses:CB Sean Smith (Raiders), QB Chase Daniel (Eagles), OT Donald Stephenson (Broncos), S Husain Abdullah (Retired), G Ben Grubbs (Released), DE Mike DeVito (Released)
Analysis: The Chiefs offseason got off to a rocky start when it was revealed revered pass rusher Justin Houston will miss significant time due to a knee injury that may cost him the entire 2016 season. Kansas City opted to bring back many key pieces of their defense, notably defensive end Jaye Howard, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and outside linebacker Tamba Hali. They also used the franchise tag for the second straight season, using it to keep safety Eric Berry.
One new face that will be familiar for Chargers fans is Jimmy Wilson. The Chiefs recently signed the safety, who was released by the Bolts in late December. He joins fellow safety Stevie Brown as newcomers in the secondary Kansas City is counting on to replace cornerback Sean Smith and safety Husain Abdullah. The Chiefs also lost reliable backup quarterback Chase Daniel to the Philadelphia Eagles while offensive tackle Donald Stephenson joined the rival Denver Broncos.
Kansas City holds the 28th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Here are notable Mock Draft projections for who the Chiefs may select.
ESPN's Mel Kiper: DT Jarran Reed – Alabama
What he says: "The Chiefs need to add impact talent on the interior of the defensive line, and I'm not sure there's a player who is consistently better stopping the run than Reed. He would be a good get here."
ESPN's Todd McShay: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "The Chiefs need WR help, but there's quite a drop-off once the top four pass-catchers come off the board. With a good frame (6-0, 189 pounds) and elite speed (4.37 40), Jackson is a highly competitive corner who thrives off the challenge of facing the opposing team's No. 1 WR. He showed some playmaking ability with two interceptions returned for touchdowns this season, but he struggles at times when the ball is in the air."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: CB Artie Burns – Miami
What he says: "The Chiefs replace Sean Smith with a similar player."
NFL.com's Charles Davis: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "You don't want to draft strictly for need, but with the loss of Sean Smith in free agency, KC hopes that Jackson has a similar rookie season to last year's top pick, Marcus Peters."
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "The Chiefs need another long, rangy cover corner with superb ball skills to match up with their pass-happy AFC West rivals. Jackson is a versatile cover corner with terrific instincts and awareness."
CBSSports.com's Rob Rang: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "After losing Sean Smith to the division rival Raiders, the Chiefs have a huge hole at cornerback opposite rookie Pro Bowler Marcus Peters. Scouts have some reservations about the level of competition Jackson faced at Houston after transferring in from a junior college but his combination of length, speed and awareness of the ball in coverage stand out on tape, making him a potentially ideal complement to Peters."
CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler: CB Eli Apple – Ohio State
What he says: "With Sean Smith signing with the Raiders, the Chiefs will be open to drafting a cornerback in the early rounds. Apple has the size, length and speed combination that the Chiefs covet at the position."
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco: CB Mackensie Alexander – Clemson
What he says: "I know Phillip Gaines will be back after missing most of last season with an injury, but they lost Sean Smith and need help opposite Marcus Peters."
