4/5 USA Today article. Chiefs needs and suggestions.

[Chiefswinitall 60]

.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2018/04/05/kansas-city-chiefs-2018-nfl-draft-preview-three-and-out/490580002/

 

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In the build-up to the 2018 draft, USA TODAY Sports will take a look at each NFL team's situation and needs. 

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Chris Jones has emerged as a stud on the defensive line. But he needs more help given the Chiefs finished 25th against the run and were trampled in their playoff loss by Titans RB Derrick Henry.

Advice: Kansas City isn't scheduled to pick until the 54th selection rolls around after surrendering its first rounder in last year's move to get QB Patrick Mahomes. Virginia Tech nose tackle Tim Settle would be a load in the middle of the line. Potential considerations as five-techniques opposite Jones include R.J. McIntosh from Miami (Fla.) — he's got excellent upside — or stout Alabama lineman Da'Shawn Hand.

2. Coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach have put a nice supporting cast around Mahomes, whose playmakers include RB Kareem Hunt, WRs Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce. The next step could be fortifying the interior line, where center and left guard loom as problem spots.

Advice: Ohio State C Billy Price could be one of this draft's steals depending on how much his combine pectoral injury knocks his stock down. Nevada's Austin Corbett, Mississippi State's Martinas Rankin and Arkansas' Frank Ragnow are all realistic options given Veach has one pick in Round 2 and two in Round 3. 

3. Star S Eric Berry has missed nearly three full seasons since 2011 while successfully battling cancer and dealing with an ACL tear and last year's ruptured Achilles. Berry's an all-pro when healthy, but he'll turn 30 by season's end and has little help behind him on the depth chart.

Advice: Wake Forest's Jessie Bates seems like a plug-and-play starter and could be an option at No. 54. Virginia Tech's Terrell Edmunds could still be available on Day 3 and offers some of Berry's versatility, able to handle some coverage responsibilities of tight ends or in the slot. Penn State's Troy Apke is one of the draft's more intriguing developmental prospects after clocking a 4.34 40 at the combine and posting a 41-inch vertical leap. But he'll need to cut his teeth on special teams and get some special attention on the practice field before he's ready for significant snaps alongside Berry.

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