What would your strategy be for the draft and free agency in 2018?

[MisChief-Maker 135]

Just thinking ahead. Obviously, The Alex Smith trade is gonna be huge here. I'm truly hoping we can acquire two draft picks for him because of what Cleveland tried to do on deadline day with that average QB from Cinci. So a 2nd and along 3rd/4th round pick would probably be the best we can hope for in that regard. And I'd target Cleveland, Jaggs, Jets, Miami and Arizona to try and get a deal done. With the Jaggs being the last resort for obvious reasons. Another option could be Washington if they contrive to let Cousins go aswell. 

 

So IF we do manage to get two picks for Alex, then that would mean we'd have two 2nd round picks, a 3rd round pick, a 4th round pick, a 6th round pick, a 7th round pick and the second one from the Alex deal which could potentially be anything between a 3rd and 6th. So, all in all, we'd end up with six picks and five of those could be in the first four rounds if we get lucky. Now if that turns out to be the case, then I'd use all of those picks on the defense tbh. Safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, defensive end and a nose tackle. With the last one being used on a punter.

 

I'd also be looking to trade/cut a whole bunch of folks to create a lot of cap space. Colquitt, Mitchell, Johnson, Gaines, Acker, Hali, Thomas, Harris, Bray to name a few. 

 

Then the fun would really begin because I'd attack the free agency market very strongly. Vontae Davis, Jarvis Landry, Donte Moncrief, Carlos Hyde to name a few. I'd try to get an experienced guard aswell. 

 

So basically my strategy would be to use the draft for the defense, and use free agency for mainly offensive talent. Because in the defense we have some old heads like Houston and Berry who could guide the rookies we bring in. I also think some young, fresh legs would be good for the defense too. Then in the offense if the opposition is having to go against Hunt, Hill, Kelce, Landry AND Moncrief? Who are all different talents in their own special way? Man!!..game over . 

 

[xen 1,010,220]

Bpa at a position of need in the draft is always the correct strategy.

 

Wouldn't mind another good tight end.

[MisChief-Maker 135]

Bpa at a position of need in the draft is always the correct strategy.

 

Wouldn't mind another good tight end.

 

Forgive my ignorance but what does "BPA" mean my friend?

[SEMO 6,811]

Forgive my ignorance but what does "BPA" mean my friend?

best player available

[SEMO 6,811]

Shore up the LG position.

 

Add another safety.

 

Use a high pick on a corner.

 

Make changes to the defensive coaching staff.

[sith13 1,746]

Offense:

 

Trade Smith for a 2nd if possible

 

Draft: May be a mid round OG if they are high on the guy but other than that I wouldn't waste any real picks on offense.

 

FA: A decent veteran WR to be the go-to guy for Mahomes, another 2nd tier TE to the mix. Money saved from Smith should be enough to handle this process.

 

Defense:

 

Trade/Cut Ford for sure. The guy is lost at 3-4 and could bring in a decent mid round pick from a 4-3 team. If not traded I would cut him and use that 9 million for a real 3-4 LB in FA. 

 

Draft: Probably spend all the real picks on defense. If Smith brings a 2nd, I would pick a CB, Safety, LB with the first 3 picks. DL needs a veteran NT. 

 

Cut: Hali.

 

Resign DJ only if he accepts a reduced salary as a mentor to young LBs and a backup in the process. Cannot just have a bunch of youngsters at LB. 

 

Replace Sutton with a guy more suited to our aggressive roster. 

[DieHard 2,061]

BPA in the draft.

 

FA focus would be Guard, backup QB, #2 RB, pass rushing OLB, WR, CB and swing tackle. Backup QB, Guard, swing tackle and #2 RB are likely the only cost effect FAs. The rest will likely have to come from the draft or someone on the roster stepping up.

[reesebobby 5,663]

We need help at all positions of need.

[Iluvhouse24 1,808]

In free agency: I go get an ILB, WR and backup TE. (A guy like Tyler Eifert who's been injured but has immense upside would be sweet.)

 

Draft: I go CB in rd. 2, OG and pass rusher with our next 2 picks. (Hopefully a 2nd rd. pick as trade comp. for Smith, but a 3rd at worst). Then BPA from that point on.

 

The return of Berry makes our safety solid group again. I believe that Murray and Sorenson are ok as depth.

 

I definitely move on from Sutton. We need a younger more aggressive approach at DC. What scheme the new DC implements dictates Kpass' future position. Regardless he will be involved heavily. Same goes for NT. If we go with an even front we don't need a guy like Logan or Poe anymore.

 

Release DJ, Hali and Bailey freeing up over 20 mill in salary cap space. Trading Smith opens up another 17.

[kccrow 529]

Here's a mid-season offseason I put together. Gives you an idea where I think the weaknesses are...

 

FREE AGENTS
Malcolm Butler, CB (NE)
Butler is a premier corner in the NFL, sticking in coverage to his man, following elite receivers, and making plays on the football. He's also solid in run support, something he'd hopefully pass along to Marcus Peters.
(reference J. Norman, X. Rhodes, P. Peterson)
5 years, $70.0 million, $15 million signing bonus, $35 million guaranteed
~ $11.0 million 2018

Christian Jones, ILB (CHI)
Jones has been an outstanding reserve for the Bears, but it's time for him to be a full-time starter in the NFL. He's got speed to cover and size to take on blocks. He's been very productive when given the opportunities.
(reference D. Bates, C. Robertson)
3 years, $8 million, $1.5 million signing bonus
~ $2.0 million 2018

Quinton Dial, DL (GB)
Dial was outstanding as a starter at nose tackle in San Francisco and was solid as a rotational end. He can make living stuffing the middle and won't cost $8 million per to do it. 
(reference Z. Hood, M. Unrein)
2 years, $2.3 million, $300k signing bonus
~ $1.0 million 2018

Justin Coleman, CB (SEA)
Coleman has been a solid reserve corner in both New England and in Seattle and he's only 24. He could be a nice get for a team starved for talent at the position. 
(reference J. Bademosi, M. Sherels)
2 years, $4 million, $1.5 million guaranteed
~ $1.5 million 2018

Total: ~ $15.5 million 2018

Re-Sign:
Anthony Sherman, FB
One of the best fullbacks in the league and great on special teams. He's worth his money.
(reference P. DiMarco)
4 years, $8.5 million, $2 million signing bonus
~ $2 million 2018

Tyler Bray, QB
With Mahomes set to take the reigns, Bray is the only other QB that knows the offense. He's not worth much, but he's worth keeping around for a year or two yet.
(reference R. Griffen, K. Clemens, B. Weeden, C. Daniel, etc)
2 years, $2.4 million
~ $1.2 million 2018

Zach Fulton, OL
Fulton is a very solid reserve at guard and center. He shouldn't command too much on the market, so he's worthy of re-signing for his experience and versatility.
(reference T. Larson, M. Slauson, T. Johnson, etc)
3 years, $5.8 million
~ $1.8 million 2018

Terrance Mitchell, CB
I'm pretty down on Mitchell right now because he's played pretty terrible this season after showing tremendous promise in 2016. I think Mitchell has some value as a nickle/dime guy yet, so he might be worth bringing back but it has to be cheap.
(reference S. McManis, C. Sensabaugh, etc)
2 years, $3.0 million
~ $1.5 million 2018

Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DL
RNR has flashed some decent ability, but he doesn't look to be starting material. He seems at his best as a rotational nose.
RFA Tender Original Round
~ $1.8 million 2018

Terrance Smith, ILB
Smith is solid on special teams and will be cheap to retain on his tender, so why not?
ERFA Tender
~$630k 2018

Kevin Pierre-Louis, ILB
I think KPL has shown enough that he at least warrants bringing back on a vet min deal for another season. I'm not sure I'd lock him up just yet, but solid reserves are nice to have.
1 year, vet minimum $790k

Total: ~ $8.2 million 2018


Estimated 2018 Net Increase Against Cap: $10.2 million
Total Cap Space needed: $23.1 + $5 million buffer + $3 million effective draft = $33.1 million


Let walk:

LB R. Wilson (RFA)
WR D. Thomas
WR A. Wilson
DB S. Terrell
DB K. Acker
DB P. Gaines
DL J. Jenkins
DL R. Miller
OL J. Devey
SP D. Colquitt

Other Transactions:

Trade Alex Smith, QB ($17 million cap space)
Chiefs trade QB Alex Smith to Jacksonville for a 1st round selection in the 2018 draft and a 4th round selection in the 2019 draft. Jacksonville is in win now mode and their problems start and end at QB. Smith is a steady, reliable QB that doesn't turn the ball over (contrary to what they get from Bortles) and Tom Coughlin should favor bringing that into the fold if possible. Smith may or may not be worth a first, but if Sam Bradford can bring one in...
Retire/Release Derrick Johnson, ILB ($8 million cap space) 
Retire/Release Tamba Hali, OLB ($7 million cap space)

Total Cap Space Gained: $33 million

Other Selection Notes:
Chiefs traded 2018 1st round selection to Buffalo for the 10th selection in the 2017 draft.
Chiefs traded 2018 5th round selection to Cleveland for Cameron Erving (OL)
Chiefs receive 2018 conditional 7th* round selection from Seattle for Isaiah Battle (OL). *Presumed 7th since Seattled traded their 6th round selection to Oakland in the deal for Marshawn Lynch.
Chiefs receive 2018 conditional 7th round selection from Arizona for Marcus Cooper (CB)
Chiefs receive 2018 conditional 7th round selection from Tennesee for David King (DL)
Chiefs traded 2018 7th round selection to San Francisco for Kenneth Acker (CB)

Onto the draft:

1. (JAX/Smith) - Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia (6'4" 295)
Thompson is a load on the interior that can collapse the pocket and put heat on the QB. He's actually built quite a bit like Chris Jones, powerful with speed to close. 
2. D.J. Chark, WR, LSU (6'3" 200)
Speed kills and Chark has it in spades. Reid needs a team of guys that can be YAC machines and threaten all parts of the field on any down, and Chark can do that. Chark is also a decent punt returner.
3. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State (6'4" 260)
A consumate worker-bee, Lewis is tough at the point of attack. He hasn't been the double-digit sack guy that was expected, but he's been good for 8 per. He's had a bit of a down year, but so has most of Ohio State's front. Lewis is tough against the run and pass. 
4. Matt Linehan, QB, Idaho (6'3" 239)
Linehan is a pro-style QB with good overall mechanics. He comes from a New England style offensive system, so Belichick may be interested, but so too will be his father Scott Linehan (Cowboys OC). 
6. Ralph Webb, RB, Vanderbilt (5'9" 202)
A quick runner with excellent vision and burst to the hole, plus outstanding hands. One of the best runners in SEC history that gets zero love because he plays at Vandy. A prototype Reid back to put pressure on West.
6. (COMP/Foles) Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina A&T (6'7" 300)
An FCS left tackle with good feet and gets into his blocks in the run game pretty well for his length. Certainly will be a bit of a NFL project going from the FCS to the pros, but he has legitimate tools to work with. 
7. (SEA/Battle) Anthony Sherrils, SS, Missouri (6'0" 200)
An extremely fast defender that flashes greatness at times and definitely has an elite closing burst to the ball carrier. Needs to work on his understanding of the game and his assignments as he sometimes looks lost out there one play only to make a good one the next.
7. (ARZ/Cooper) Austin Golson, OC, Auburn (6'4" 314)
A jack-of-all trades, Golson has started at every position on the O-line, but he is best at guard and center. 
7. (TEN/King) Spencer Smith, P, Memphis (6'1" 195)
Not much to say, he's one of the best in the nation and can be a backup kicker to boot.

Roster (Would need a few cuts...):
QB: P. Mahomes, T. Bray, M. Linehan
RB: K. Hunt, S. Ware, C. West, R. Webb
FB: A. Sherman
TE: T. Kelce, D. Harris, R. Travis
WR: T. Hill, D. Chark, C. Conley, J. Chesson, D. Robinson, M. Kemp?
OL: E. Fisher, P. Ehinger, M. Morse, L. Duvernay-Tardif, M. Schwartz, B. Witzman, C. Erving, Z. Fulton, A. Golson, B. Parker
DL: C. Jones, A. Bailey, T. Thompson, T. Kpassagnon, Q. Dial, R. Nunez-Roches
OLB: J. Houston, D. Ford, T. Lewis, D. Nicolas, F. Zombo
ILB:, R. Ragland, C. Jones, U. Eligwe, K. Pierre-Louis, T. Smith
CB: M. Peters, M. Butler, S. Nelson, J. Coleman, T. Mitchell
DB: E. Berry, R. Parker, D. Sorensen, E. Murray, A. Sherrils
ST: H. Butker, J. Winchester, S. Smith

[Calichief 3,016]

Welcome back.

[kccrow 529]

Welcome back.

 

Thanks bud, and for the reminder that I've been MIA for some time now.

[xen 1,010,220]

Wassup crow. Not bad. Work me in another tight end willya.

[Calichief 3,016]

Wassup crow. Not bad. Work me in another tight end willya.

One without stone hands please? Not a 10 project either..

Would that work?

[xen 1,010,220]

One without stone hands please? Not a 10 project either..

Would that work?

Yeah the experiment is over. Not every former hoops player is a good tight end.

[Calichief 3,016]

Yeah the experiment is over. Not every former hoops player is a good tight end.

‘Year’ sp

 

Yea man, it’s maddening.

[Mloe68 1,521]

Offense....

Veteran big possession type WR in free agency. The type that Alex won't throw too in tight spaces but Mahomes will. I'd also look at backup TE that can actually block. This team needs a Jason Dunn type. Draft another guard.  

 

Defense...

We need surge of youth and speed. Id look at second contract ILB in free agency and then draft a corner or safety on day two (maybe both)

 

We probably aren't getting both a good ILB and WR in free agency, but we could get two system types that could help immediately. Or get one stud and prioritize to draft the other early if at all possible. With Berry, Houston, Peters and Jones you can fix this defense in a hurry with a few good moves. 

[VIChiefsFan 262]

I think a decision needs to be made on Dee Ford as well.  He is set to make $8.7 million year and there is no dead money if we cut him.  I haven't really looked at the free agents who could replace him but I don't think he is worth that kind of money.  I think he is still a work in progress so perhaps restructuring would be a good way to go.

[Mloe68 1,521]

I think a decision needs to be made on Dee Ford as well.  He is set to make $8.7 million year and there is no dead money if we cut him.  I haven't really looked at the free agents who could replace him but I don't think he is worth that kind of money.  I think he is still a work in progress so perhaps restructuring would be a good way to go.

 

I'd keep him if this back issue doesn't require major surgery. While I think its pretty clear he's a one dimensional guy we can't count on as a starter, he also has shown some real pass rushing ability that's hard to find in this league. He's sure looking like the worst first round pick of the Dorsey regime though. 

[kccrow 529]

Wassup crow. Not bad. Work me in another tight end willya.

 

Sup xen. I was thinking about it in the 4th in that one, quite a bit. I hate Harris. I'll figure one out eventually here. I think Baugh out of Ohio State is kind of a sleeper for the pros. 

[kccrow 529]

I think a decision needs to be made on Dee Ford as well.  He is set to make $8.7 million year and there is no dead money if we cut him.  I haven't really looked at the free agents who could replace him but I don't think he is worth that kind of money.  I think he is still a work in progress so perhaps restructuring would be a good way to go.

 

The options at 3-4OLB and 3-4DE don't look all that great. IF Seattle doesn't re-sign Sheldon Richardson, I'd jump on that train. If Attaochu gets' let go in LA, and he's healthy, I'd take a shot.  

[xen 1,010,220]

The options at 3-4OLB and 3-4DE don't look all that great. IF Seattle doesn't re-sign Sheldon Richardson, I'd jump on that train. If Attaochu gets' let go in LA, and he's healthy, I'd take a shot.

Agree on both. Richardson would transform our line.

[gballs 3]

If they don't change Sutton, which i'm afraid they won't, then for his defense to work he has to generate pass rush.  You need toys for Mahomes to have success, so all in on a big possession receiver and a OG.  After that, draft DBs and dump everything into speedy LBs/DL that can collapse pockets.  Think Eagles front 7...

[dksww 484]

player wise they badly need DL help, OLB and another good CB to pair with Peters.

 

Outside the awful TEs we have behind Kelce, I can't even try to determine what is actually needed on offense because Reid's gameplanning and play calling are so bad. 

 

Couple that with Smith's conservatism and it just seems like the entire offense is restrained.