The Chiefs are still the dynasty of the NFL having won the Super Bowl in 3 of the past 6 seasons. Although they got annihilated in this past Super Bowl vs the Eagles, they still remain one of the favorites for the title heading into next year and rightfully so. They still have won the AFC in 5 of the past 6 seasons and they still have the premier head coach + quarterback combination in the NFL. Although they have struggled offensively the past couple of seasons, they have been maybe the premier defensive team in the NFL over the past two seasons. The offensive struggles certainly do not concern as much just because the combination of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes remains one of the premier if not the premier combination of offensive head coach and quarterback ever. It feels as if with those two leading the way offensively that they will eventually figure things out on that side of the ball. If they indeed can resolve the offensive issues they are having and if they maintain their level of play defensively, the Chiefs can certainly win another title very soon. However, the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions seem to have separated from the Chiefs with regards to the ceiling that they can create as a team. In the AFC, the Ravens, Bills, and Bengals seem overdue for Super Bowls and it feels as if they will start to fill some of the AFC seats in Super Bowls very soon. Baltimore seems to consistently have a next gear that the Chiefs have not reached yet and it is just a matter of if they can be composed enough come postseason time. The Bills and Bengals are consistently neck and neck with the Chiefs and Kansas City does not seem to have a delineating factor between them and those two teams in recent memory. The Bengals are 1-1 against Kansas City in the postseason to show the equality of the two teams. Although the Bills are 0-4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs, the last three postseason matchups have been essentially coin flips and if you include regular season play the Bills with Josh Allen are nearly .500 against the Chiefs with Mahomes despite all the playoff losses. As the Bills with Allen are 4-1 vs the Chiefs with Mahomes in the regular season but 0-4 in the playoffs vs the Chiefs with Mahomes. The Chiefs overall ceiling as a team is never that much better than their playoff opposition and many times including in every Super Bowl they have won, they felt as if they were the less talented team with a lower ceiling. However, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, with always an above average roster are always close enough to their opposition or neck with their opposition come postseason time with regards to ceiling and talent. Being close enough to their opposition from that standpoint, they always seem to make fewer mistakes, they always seem to be sounder on special teams, and they always seem to be better in the 2nd half/4th quarter/overtime of big postseason matchups than their playoff opposition and always seem to end up winning as a result. Sometimes the lack of a ceiling sometimes shows in big postseason matchups where the Chiefs lose badly such as getting blown out in two Super Bowls vs the Bucs and Eagles. Winning in the fashion that they have won in the postseason will be hard to sustain as one would certainly surmise that the likes of the Ravens, Bills, Lions, Bengals, and 49ers who have just as high if not a higher ceiling than the Chiefs will eventually put it all together come postseason time as the Chiefs have.
As stated previously the offensive side of the ball is the concerning point for Kansas City as the past two seasons, they have been a relatively average team on offense despite the presence of Reid and Mahomes. The major offensive ranks for the Chiefs this past season can be found below.
2024 Chiefs Offensive Ranks
15th in points per game
17th in yards per game
14th in overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs were a very average offensive team this past season and their lack of explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball eventually did them in come playoff time. No one questions Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, as the pairing are arguably the premier offensive head coach and quarterback combination in the history of the sport. However, major questions are to be asked of the personnel on the offensive side of the ball and I have conducted an evaluation of the Chiefs personnel on the offensive end which can be found below. I have included the offense grade that each player was assigned by Pro Football Focus this past season. I have also included my own subjective grade of each player that entails how strong of players I deem them to be in totality outside of just 2024. That subjective evaluation is based upon yearly statistical output and yearly subjective grades given to them by Pro Football Focus.
Chiefs Starting Offensive Lineman
LT – Jaylon Moore – (25/87) offense grade in 2024 over 271 snaps for SF, B to B-
LG – Mike Caliendo – (77/83) offense grade in 2024 over 237 snaps, D+ to C-
C – Creed Humphrey – (2/43) offense grade in 2024 over 1115 snaps, A+
RG – Trey Smith – (11/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1115 snaps, B+
RT – Jawaan Taylor – (65/87) offense grade in 2024 over 1092 snaps, C to C+
Chiefs Reserve Offensive Lineman
T – Ethan Driskell – 4 career snaps, undrafted 2024
T – Kingsley Suamataia – (87/87) offense grade in 2024 over 195 snaps, D so far as 2024 2nd rounder
C – Hunter Nourzad – (13/43) offense grade in 2024 over 31 snaps, B to B+ so far as 2024 5th rounder
G – C.J Hanson – (78/83) offense grade in 2024 over 31 snaps, D+ so far as 2024 7th rounder
T – Wanya Morris – (74/87) offense grade in 2024 over 732 snaps, C
G – McKade Mettauer – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
T – Jason/Chukwuebuka Godrick – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2023
Chiefs Offensive Lineman from 2024 no longer on team
G – Joe Thuney – (9/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1115 snaps, A-
T – D.J Humphries – (85/87) offense grade in 2024 over 92 snaps, C+ to B-
Chiefs 2024 Key Offensive Line Metrics
13th in pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
7th in run blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
9th in pass blocking efficiency
18th in sacks allowed
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs had a solid but not spectacular offensive line this past season. The interior of the offensive line was the strong suit of the team this past season as the Chiefs combination of starting guards and center was likely the best in the NFL. The Chiefs, however, struggled at tackle as Jawaan Taylor and Wanya Morris were mediocre in the time they spent on the field starting for the Chiefs. Eventually to balance out the line, Andy Reid moved over star guard Joe Thuney to left tackle late in the season, but the Chiefs offensive front was still not good enough to deal with the ferocious Philadelphia defensive line in the Super Bowl. Joe Thuney, who was one of the premier players on the Chiefs offensive front and one of the three anchors on the interior of the offensive line, has since departed the team. This makes the already questionable Chiefs offensive line even more comprised but the team has made an additional move to circumvent it. The team has acquired tackle Jaylon Moore from the San Francisco 49ers who was the backup to future hall of famer Trent Williams. Jaylon Moore looked strong in the past two seasons he spent on the field as a reserve player and Kansas City is optimistic that he can now flourish in a starting role. Kansas City also drafted tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the 2nd round of the 2024 draft but he really struggled as a rookie in the limited time he spent on the field. The Chiefs are optimistic he can come into his own going into year 2 in the league. The offensive line is still a big concern for the Chiefs as outside of star players Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey there are questions everywhere. Jaylon Moore has never started before and it remains to be seen how the team will replace star guard Joe Thuney. As Mike Caliendo is currently slated to start at guard in place of him on the depth chart but has been very below average thus far in the NFL. Jawaan Taylor, who was once a 2nd round pick who signed a very hefty contract with the Chiefs, is incredibly inconsistent despite showing flashes of excellence from time to time. 2024 2nd round pick Kingsley Suamataia ranked among the weakest offensive lineman in the NFL in the limited time he spent on the field as a rookie. But as such a high draft pick, he can potentially come into his own in year 2 in the NFL. There is reason for optimism as all those players can certainly have strong years. Additionally, although it was in a very limited sample size of snaps, 2024 5th rounder interior offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad looked very effective when he played. Perhaps he can fill the void on the interior of the offensive line left by Thuney. I have conducted a similar evaluation of the Chiefs skill position players which can be found below.
Chiefs Receivers
WR – Xavier Worthy – (70/110) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, C+ so far as 2024 1st rounder
WR – Rashee Rice – (11/110) offense grade in 2024 in 4 games, B+ to A-
WR – Marquise Brown – (28/110) offense grade in 2024 in 2 games, C+ to B-
WR – Juju Smith-Schuster – (100/110) offense grade in 2024 in 14 games, C to C+
WR – Skyy Moore – (110/110) offense grade in 2024 in 5 games, C to C+
WR – Nikko Remigio – 2 career rec, undrafted 2023
WR – Justyn Ross – 6 career rec, undrafted 2022
WR – Tyquan Thornton – (107/110) offense grade in 2024 in 6 games for NE, C to C-
WR – Jason Brownlee – 5 career rec, undrafted 2023
TE – Travis Kelce – (16/45) offense grade in 2024 in 16 games, A-
TE – Noah Gray – (8/45) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, B to B-
TE – Jared Wiley – 1 career rec, 4th round 2024
TE – Anthony Firkser – 0 rec in 2024, C+ to B-
Chiefs Receivers from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
WR – Justin Watson – (108/110) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, C-
WR – Montrell Washington – 4 career rec
WR – Mecole Hardman – (42/110) offense grade in 2024 in 10 games, C+
WR – Deandre Hopkins – (23/110) offense grade in 2024 in 16 for Tenn and KC, B+
TE – Baylor Cupp – 0 career rec, undrafted 2024
TE -Jody Fortson – 1 rec in 2024,
TE – Peyton Hendershot – 5 rec in 2024
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs’ receivers were solid but not spectacular but ultimately were not good enough to get the job done. Wide out Xavier Worthy, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash in the history of the NFL combine and who was a first-round pick last year had a hit and miss rookie season. The (70/110) offense grade and the over 600 receiving yards he accumulated were not bad, but certainly did not blow anyone away. With him being a first rounder, with him running the record breaking 40-yard dash, and with him having a respectable rookie season, he will be on the clock to emerge as a star in year 2 in the NFL. As the Chiefs certainly need some star power at the position. I believe he is more than capable of doing so but he has run into some trouble off the field being arrested early in the offseason. Wide receiver Rashee Rice was the primary wide receiver of the Chiefs offense if not the Chiefs primary receiver period until he went down with a season ending injury. As a 2023 2nd round pick Rashee Rice has looked very strong in his first two seasons in the NFL ranking well above average in terms of an offense grade among qualified wide outs in each of his first two seasons. He accumulated nearly 1000 yards in his first NFL season and was on pace for more than 1,000 this past season before the season ending injury occurred. Wide receiver Marquise Brown missed most of last year due to injury and eventually returned later in the season. Brown, as a former first rounder, has not been a bust by any stretch but has underwhelmed in his time in the league. However, many attributed his relative lack of success to weak quarterback play and poor offensive circumstances and many stated that if he were to be paired with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, that his full potential would be unlocked. In the 2 games that he appeared in for the Chiefs in the regular season he posted the highest offense grade of his career thus far. It remains to be seen how effective he can be playing in an extended sample of games for the Chiefs, however. Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster offers Kansas City some high-end capabilities at the position but cannot be consistently relied upon. After having an elite receiving year in 2018 for the Steelers while also having a strong rookie 2017 season many expected the 2nd round pick to be a star in the league for years to come. His play since his first two seasons when he looked like a budding star/superstar at the position has drastically dropped off, however. He has ranked below average to well below average in terms of an offense grade among qualified wide outs in every season except one since then. With the one season being his first season with the Chiefs in 2022 where he ranked only slightly above average in terms of an offense grade while also playing well in the Chiefs Super Bowl win that season. Smith-Schuster is highly inconsistent and in recent memory has been mostly ineffective but still has a very high ceiling as one cannot summarily dismiss his first two NFL seasons, his high draft standing, and the fact that he is still only turning 29 years old next season. Wide receiver Skyy Moore as a 2022 2nd round pick is akin to Schuster in that he has shown a high ceiling as such a high draft pick but has really underwhelmed in recent memory. In 15 games in his rookie season, he logged 22 receptions and graded (21/103) in terms of an offense grade among qualified wide outs. In the past two seasons he has ranked well below average in terms of an offense grade while logging 0 receptions in the 2024 campaign. Wide out Tyquan Thornton, who was a 2022 second round pick was acquired via trade with the Patriots this offseason but has mostly been a bust thus far. Thornton has ranked well below average in terms of an offense grade in each of his first three NFL seasons. However, the Patriots since the retirement of Tom Brady have been perhaps the weakest offensive team in the NFL thus contributing to his poor production. Perhaps with Mahomes and Andy Reid his full potential can be unlocked. Tight end Travis Kelce regressed this past season as he is aging but still had a very strong season ranking (16/45) in terms of an offense grade among qualified tight ends. But compare that to the previous eight seasons where he ranked top 4 in that same department every single season. Kelce ranked top 2 in terms of offense grade as a rookie but then in his sophomore year campaign ranked (15/47) in that department. So, something similar to this past season has certainly happened before and it indeed can be an aberration as after his sophomore season, Kelce had the aforementioned eight straight seasons ranking in the top 4 in that department. The Chiefs this past season in totality were maybe the weakest they have ever been offensively in the Mahomes/Reid era which certainly may have contributed to the down year Kelce had by his standards. He is aging, however and the down year he had can certainly also be a sign of things to come. But even then, in a down year for Travis Kelce he still ranked above average among qualified tight ends in terms of an offense grade and still accumulated nearly 100 receptions in the regular season. With how reliant the Chiefs are on the tight end spot and with the aging of Travis Kelce the Chiefs have emphasized finding additional players at the position how can offset the drop off in Kelce’s production and/or eventually replace him. Tight end Noah Gray, after looking relatively meager in his first three NFL seasons, had a strong year this past season as Kelce’s role in the offense began to shrink. Gray after ranking below average to well below average in terms of an offense grade in his first three NFL seasons ranked (8/45) in that department this past season while accumulating over 400 receiving yards. Tight end Jared Wily as a 2024 4th rounder only has 1 career reception thus far but can perhaps give Kansas City some strong production going forward. Tight end Anthony Firkser looked very strong in his first three NFL seasons from 2018-2020 ranking in the above average to well above average range in terms of an offense grade in every season but has since tailed off due to injuries/lack of strong QB play/lack of playing time. Overcoming the loss of wide out Mecole Hardman who was a high draft pick and who is amongst the fastest players in the NFL who gave Kansas City some strong production will be a tough pill to swallow. Overcoming the loss of DeAndre Hopkins who when he was in his prime was amongst the premier wide outs in the league and is still amongst the better overall wide receivers now that he is past his prime will also be a tough pill to swallow. However, the return of Rashee Rice from injury as well as Xavier Worthy going into year 2 in the NFL should offset those two losses. I have conducted a similar evaluation of the Chiefs running back unit which can be found below.
Chiefs Running Backs
HB – Isaiah Pachecho – (42/58) offense grade in 2024 in 7 games, C+ to B-
HB – Kareem Hunt – (24/58) offense grade in 2024 in 13 games, C+ to B-
HB – Elijah Mitchell – DNP in 2024 for SF, B
HB – Carson Steele – (58/58) offense grade in 2024 in 15 games, D
Chiefs Running Backs from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
HB – Samaje Perine – (39/58) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, C+
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs had a pretty meager running back room this past season. The Chiefs added Elijah Mitchell who is perhaps slightly better than all the remaining running backs currently on the roster but the running back room remains relatively average if not less than that. The Chiefs major offensive running statistics/grades for the 2024 season can be found below.
2024 Chiefs major running statistics/grades
16th in run grade according to Pro Football Focus
22nd in rushing yards per game
31st in rushing yards per attempt
The average to mediocre nature of the Chiefs backfield is very evident with the above data and the running back unit was one of the weaknesses of the team a season ago. The team added Elijah Mitchell this offseason thus far to address the unit and he certainly can give it a boost but he is hardly better if better at all than any of the backs on the roster from this past season. Heading into the draft one of the biggest priorities should be to add a high level running back perhaps even with their first-round pick. Kansas City was one of the weakest running teams in the NFL a season ago and has done little to nothing to resolve that issue thus far in the offseason. The loss of Joe Thuney on the offensive line offsets any improvement they potentially could have seen with the addition of Elijah Mitchell in my estimation. The Chiefs by all the major metrics were an average offensive team a season ago who could do next to nothing in the Super Bowl offensively vs the Eagles who had the premier defense in the NFL. Adding a high impact running back just like the Ravens did a season ago in adding Derrick Henry and just like the Eagles did a season ago in adding Saquon Barkley would go a long way to fix their offensive woes. The defensive side of the ball has been the team’s calling card for the past two seasons and I have conducted a similar evaluation of it which can be found below.
The Chiefs in the first portion of the Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid era were known for being an explosive offensive team led by one of the premier combinations of offensive head coach and quarterback ever. To the point where the defensive side of the ball was actually a weakness and was comprised quite a bit due to the emphasis placed on the offensive end. Now the script has done a complete 180 where the team over the past two seasons is known for being a defensive juggernaut who struggles offensively with regularity. The Chiefs have been a slightly above average caliber offense the past two seasons while being one of the premier if not the premier defensive team in the NFL. The defensive ranks for the Chiefs this past season can be found below.
Chiefs 2024 Defensive Ranks
4th in points per game allowed
9th in yards per game allowed
2nd in overall defense grade according to Pro Football Focus
The Chiefs last season as you can see from the above data, were one of the premier defensive teams in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the most decorated coordinators in NFL history as he has won the most Super Bowls out of any coordinator ever. He remains the orchestrator of the defense heading into next season and the Chiefs will likely field an elite caliber defense once again. I have conducted a similar evaluation of the personnel on the defensive side of the ball for the Chiefs just as I did for the offense which can be found below.
Chiefs Starting Front Seven
ED – George Karlaftis – (47/135) defense grade in 2024 over 831 snaps, C+ to B-
DT – Chris Jones – (3/146) defense grade in 2024 over 771 snaps, A to A+
DT – Jerry Tillery – (101/146) defense grade in 2024 over 467 snaps for Vikings, C to C+
ED – Mike Danna – (61/135) defense grade in 2024 over 496 snaps, C+ to B-
LB – Drue Tranquill – (41/92) defense grade in 2024 over 798 snaps, B to B+
LB – Nick Bolton – (46/92) defense grade in 2024 over 941 snaps, B to B+
LB – Leo Chenal – (5/92) defense grade in 2024 over 445 snaps, B+ to A-
Chiefs Reserve Front Seven
ED – Charles Omenihu – (63/135) defense grade in 2024 over 225 snaps, C+ to B-
DT – Marlon Tuipulotu – (114/146) defense grade in 2024 over 61 snaps, C to C-
DT – Mike Pennel Jr – (44/146) defense grade in 2024 over 320 snaps, C+ to B-
ED – Felix Anudike-Uzomah – (94/135) defense grade in 2024 over 332 snaps, C
LB – Jack Cochrane – only 9 snaps in 2024, C
LB – Shaun Bradley – 0 snaps in 2024, B+ in very limited snaps
LB – Cam Jones – (78/92) defense grade in 2024, C to C+
ED – Malik Herring – (82/135) defense grade in 2024 over 193 snaps, C
DT – Fabien Lovett Sr – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
LB – Blake Lynch – (4/92) defense grade in 2024 over 25 snaps, B+ in limited snaps
LB – Cole Christiansen – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2020
ED – B.J Thompson – D in very limited snaps for career
DT – Siaki Ika – 0 snaps in 2024, D in very limited snaps as 2023 3rd rounder
Chiefs Front Seven Players From 2024 not currently or no longer on team
LB – Swayze Bozeman – 7 career snaps, undrafted 2024, now on Bears
ED – Cameron Thomas – (40/135) defense grade in 2024 over 69 snaps, C+ to B-, now on Browns
ED – Joshua Uche – (109/135) defense grade in 2024 over 249 snaps, C+ to B-, now on Eagles
DL – Derrick Nnadi – (141/146) defense grade in 2024 over 221 snaps, C to C+
DL – Tershawn Wharton – (80/146) defense grade in 2024 over 667 snaps, C to C+
Chiefs Key Front Seven Metrics from 2024
8th in rushing yards per game allowed
10th in run defense grade according to Pro Football Focus
13th in sacks
9th in pass rush grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs had a very stout front seven a season ago but was perhaps not quite elite up front. The defensive front was led by superstar interior defensive lineman Chris Jones as usual who once again had an elite year where he was in the definitive discussion for being the best overall interior defensive lineman in the sport. Outside of Jones on the defensive line questions are certainly to be asked of the Chiefs. Despite Kansas City possessing maybe the best overall defensive lineman in the NFL, the team still ranked only 13th in sacks and 9th in pass rush grade. The remaining defensive lineman outside of Jones were just average to maybe slightly above average caliber NFL players for the most part last season. The concerns on the defensive front outside of Jones indeed remain heading into next season. The team lost Tershawn Wharton in free agency and replaced him with Jerry Tillery from the Vikings while the remaining starters on the defensive line remain the same. Wharton and Tillery are similar caliber players but the Chiefs front office is optimistic that Tillery as a former first rounder can give them more at the position than Wharton who was undrafted. As both players are mediocre when playing for the most part but both are capable of performing at an above average level with regularity as well. George Karlaftis as a former first-round pick has had a hit and miss career thus far in the NFL. In his first two seasons in the NFL, he graded below average to well below average in terms of a defense grade. But this past season in his third year in the league, he graded above average as he finally started to fulfill his potential as a first-round pick. His continued development on the defensive front will be key for the Chiefs going forward. The depth on the defensive line is a concern however as the team has lost multiple players from a reserve standpoint capable of giving the team strong production as you can see from the above data. The team is optimistic that a few of the players currently on the team can step up in place, however. Perhaps the team can still acquire players in the offseason cycle primarily via the draft to address the defensive line depth. The linebacking core was one of the strong points for the Chiefs on the defensive end this past season as the unit ranked among the better if not the best in the league. The starting trio of Tranquill, Bolton, and Chenal that you can see above was highly productive. All three players consistently grade as above average to well above average at their position. Linebacker Blake Lynch has also looked highly effective in very limited snaps in the league and can offer the Chiefs some strong depth at the position and/or threaten for a starting job. The Chiefs front seven was effective last season but not quite elite as the defensive line outside of superstar Chris Jones was mostly average. The linebacking core was very good to great but perhaps not quite elite. They ranked in the bottom half of the top 10 in 3 of the 4 major front seven metrics while ranking 13th in sacks. Indicating the production from the front seven was very good but nothing special. Perhaps if the team can continue to see increased production from young players who were once high draft picks such as George Karlaftis, Jerry Tillery, Nick Bolton, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the team’s front seven can take the next step. All of the aforementioned players were once 1st or 2nd round picks who have shown flashes of very strong play that justified them being drafted so high. However, they have not been as consistent as one would otherwise expect. If those players can put it all together then perhaps the Chiefs front seven can take the leap from very good to great. The secondary of the Chiefs was one of the premier units in the league a season ago and I have conducted a similar evaluation of it below.
Chiefs Starting Secondary
CB – Trent McDuffie – (2/128) defense grade in 2024 over 996 snaps, A to A+
SS – Jaden Hicks – (26/104) defense grade in 2024 over 330 snaps, B to B+ so far as 2024 4th rounder
FS – Bryan Cook – (55/104) defense grade in 2024 over 974 snaps, C to C+
CB – Kristian Fulton – (26/128) defense grade in 2024 over 760 snaps for Chargers, C+ to B-
NB – Chamarri Conner – (45/128) defense grade in 2024 over 573 snaps, B to B+
Chiefs Reserve Secondary
CB – Jaylen Watson – (27/128) defense grade in 2024 over 341 snaps, B to B+
FS – Jason Taylor II – poor in 41 career snaps for Rams, D
CB – Nazeeh Johnson – (106/128) defense grade in 2024 over 494 snaps, C
NB – Christian Roland-Wallace – (72/128) defense grade in 2024 over 194 snaps, C
CB – Eric Scott Jr – 0 career snaps
CB – Joshua Williams – (65/128) defense grade in 2024 over 411 snaps, B
NB – Darius Rush – DNP in 2024, C
CB – Robert Rochell – only 1 snap in 2024 for Packers, C
Chiefs Secondary from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
S – Justin Reid – (14/104) defense grade in 2024 over 974 snaps, B to B+, now on Saints
CB – Keith Taylor – (72/128) defense grade in 2024 over 79 snaps, C, now on Falcons
Chiefs 2024 Key Secondary Metrics
18th in passing yards per game
2nd in coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data the Chiefs have a very talented secondary with Pro Football Focus even grading them as the 2nd best coverage team in the NFL. Trent McDuffie is one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL as he ranked 2nd among all corners in terms of a defense grade last season. Safety Jaden Hicks had a very strong rookie season as a 4th round pick last year and will likely only get better for Kansas City. Justin Reid, who was very effective for Chiefs starting at safety last season has unfortunately departed the team for the Saints. Replacing him will be a point of emphasis and the team currently has safety Bryan Cook in line to start for him but he does not seem to have nearly as much talent. Perhaps Kansas City should look to the draft or still look to acquire a player in the offseason to replace the production of Reid. As they have no safety on the roster as of now who is capable of replicating Reid’s prowess as a safety. Kansas City also got erratic but at times very effective play from their second corner spot a season ago and the team has since signed Kristian Fulton from the Titans to sure the position up even further. Fulton who is currently slated to start can be very inconsistent but at times very effective as he was a season ago where he ranked in the well above average range in terms of a defense grade among qualified cornerbacks. Chamarri Conner was very effective as the team’s third corner/nickelback a season ago and projects to start at the position next season. The team is deep in the secondary as corners Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are both capable of producing at an above average level despite being currently listed as reserves. The team had one of the premier secondaries last season ranking 2nd in the NFL in terms of coverage grade and they certainly can maintain a similar level of play heading into next year. The biggest priority should be to replace the production which was lost by Justin Reid in the secondary, however.
Overall, on the defensive side of things the Chiefs were one of the premier teams in the NFL a season ago on the defensive end just as they were the previous season. The Eagles who won the Super Bowl were the best defensive team in the league last year and Pro Football Focus graded them first in terms of defense grade by a margin. The Chiefs ranked 2nd in that department last year and if Kansas City can see some improvement from young players/high draft picks who have shown some promise then Kansas City can certainly close the defensive gap between them and the Eagles. Replacing primarily Justin Reid in the secondary will be the biggest priority for the remainder of the offseason but the Eagles have lost more production on the defensive end than the Chiefs this offseason cycle. The Eagles as aforementioned were graded as the best defensive team in the league by a margin last year while finishing as the #2 scoring defense. The Chiefs, although incredibly stout on defense were still jumbled in with many other teams in terms of how strong their defense was. As the Chargers, Steelers, Broncos, Lions(when healthy), Texans, Vikings, and a few others fielded similar caliber defenses to the Chiefs a season ago. Whereas the Eagles were able to separate from the pack with regards to how strong they were defensively. Seeing that improvement from promising players while replacing the production lost by star safety Justin Reid could potentially see the Chiefs separate from the pack defensively just like the Eagles did a season ago.
In totality, Kansas City, although being humiliated in the Super Bowl this past season, are still the dynasty of the NFL winning 3 of the past 6 Super Bowls. They still have one of the premier head coach + quarterback combinations ever and have also won the AFC in 5 of the past 6 seasons and 5 of 7 in totality with Mahomes/Reid. The only team one could definitively say is better than the Chiefs as of now is Philadelphia. If the Chiefs want to close the gap between them and the Eagles, they will primarily need to see improvement from young players on both side of the ball. They will also need to see more consistent play from players who have shown a high ceiling but have not been able to sustain it as of yet. Players who fall under both of the aforementioned categories include but are not limited to Xavier Worthy, Kingsley Suamataia, Rashee Rice, Jaylon Moore, Jawaan Taylor, George Karlaftis, Jerry Tillery, and some others as well. The team will also need to replace star safety Justin Reid and potentially add a high caliber running back in the rest of the offseason cycle as well. The Chiefs still should remain the prohibited favorite to win the AFC next season as they have done so for 5 of the past 6 seasons. The only current team who has beaten them in the AFC playoffs are the Bengals with Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor who failed to even qualify for the playoffs this past season. The Bills, Ravens, Chargers, and Bengals will be on the Chiefs tail next season but because of the Chiefs track record they should still remain the favorite to come out the AFC next year. I still liken both the Lions and Eagles who are in the NFC more than Kansas City at this point, however. That should not come as a slight to the Chiefs as I liken those two teams more than anyone in the NFL at this point. When compared to Detroit the Chiefs have retained both coordinators while the Lions lost both coordinators. The Chiefs with Mahomes/Reid have made 5 Super Bowls while Detroit with Goff/Campbell have not made any. The Lions cannot be fully trusted in the postseason as well, whereas despite the Super Bowl loss a season ago, I still trust the Chiefs more than anyone come playoff time. As stated prior, the only team who is definitively better than the Chiefs at this point is Philadelphia and the Chiefs have a route to close the gap as stated previously.
