NFL Combine prospects that Chiefs could be watching

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — The Kansas City Chiefs could select a multitude of players that are at the 2024 NFL Combine.

In the nation’s biggest annual football job fair, the back-to-back Super Bowl champions are like all the other 31 NFL teams, looking to bolster their roster for another playoff run.

As prospects speak with the media, some have already talked about the teams they have met with while at the combine.

Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson and Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders are just two prospects that have met with the Chiefs. But teams meet with a lot of prospects throughout the draft process, whether they draft them or not.

The Chiefs will be looking to fill some key spots at wide receiver, defensive line (tackle and end) and running back.

Offensive tackle may also be a spot to look at with left tackle Donovan Smith a free agent, but rookie Wanya Morris played well in his limited time last season and could assume that role.

There are a few prospects at each position that could have the Chiefs’ eye.

Wide receiver

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Ladd McConkey, Georgia

All three of these receivers are plus athletes who work well in open space and stretch defense with their speed.

The Chiefs will likely add a veteran receiver or two with the release of Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Wednesday and veterans Mecole Hardman and Richie James not re-signed with the team as of yet.

But in the meantime, the Chiefs could opt to select a receiver in the draft, whether it’s in the first three rounds or later. History indicates that the Chiefs won’t draft a receiver with the last pick of the first round but the group listed above could be selected in the second or even third round.

Franklin might have the most potential of the three but his traits are similar to MVS’s traits as a speedster at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds.

Worthy’s elite speed and athleticism have made plenty of fans pray for Kansas City to pull the trigger on him as well.

Defensive Line

DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

DT Braden Fiske, Florida State

DE Austin Booker, Kansas

DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State

The Chiefs’ priority on the defensive line is signing Chris Jones to a new contract. Once that situation is settled, then they can bring back some pieces that had their contract expire if they would like, like DT Derrick Nnadi and DE Mike Danna.

They still have first-round picks George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah at DE, along with Charles Omenihu, who will be returning from a torn ACL midseason.

They also could bring in some younger pieces like the players listed who are athletic, stout interior players that can also pass rush.

Jackson and Booker are long, strong athletes that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves in his defense.

Running back

Will Shipley, Clemson

Blake Corum, Michigan

Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State

Isiah Pacheco is the bellcow, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon likely are not returning to the Chiefs.

The backup spot will likely go to a veteran who can pass protect to spell some snaps for Pacheco. But at a position where teams are never afraid to go younger, the Chiefs could draft a running back in the later rounds.

Shipley and Corum are plus athletes who could make a great 1-2 punch for Kansas City’s running game, but they could get snatched in the first three rounds before the Chiefs even think about RBs.

Davis is a productive back from the FCS back-to-back national champions who could be drafted in the later rounds like Pacheco was but could also find his way into the earlier rounds if he performs well at the combine.