Latest ESPN Mock Draft Shows Chiefs Replacing RT Jawaan Taylor In First Round
· Yahoo Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs made a huge free agency splash when it signed reigning Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to begin the negotiation period last Monday.
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Walker, 25, signed a three-year, $43 million contract worth up to $45 million to join the Chiefs which basically kicked off free agency. He’s coming off an incredible season in which he rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries, doing so while splitting carries with backup running back Zach Charbonnet.
The dual-threat RB has provided incredible value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield as well, catching 31 passes for 282 yards, showcasing his ability to gain yards after the catch despite 13 yards per reception being the lowest mark in his career.
Walker is dynamic and known for electricity and explosiveness on the ground. He had 10 carries that went for 20 or more yards, something both Chiefs running backs (Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco) combined to do just once.
The Chiefs feared that if the running back position didn’t get solved in free agency, it would run the risk of missing out on the top RB prospect in the draft due to drafting from the No. 9 position and being stuck without a game-changer.
Standout Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love was projected to land with the Chiefs during early mock drafts, but with him being the best prospect in the draft, there’s always the chance that he gets selected before Kansas City has the chance to pick him. Word at the scouting combine said, “don’t let Love fall to the Chiefs.”
If the Chiefs already addressed RB, what does the organization do with the ninth-overall pick? After cutting right tackle Jawaan Taylor for salary cap relief, Kansas City needs to find his replacement. Enter Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
“…Mauigoa would fill in seamlessly in Kansas City,” ESPN’s Field Yates wrote Thursday. “The three-year starter at right tackle is one of the steadiest players in the class, showing great balance, nimble footwork and overall body control at Miami.
“He's a force in the running game, which would be important to get new Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III going next season. And protecting Patrick Mahomes is always a major priority; the fact that he is returning from an ACL tear only underscores that importance.”
Mauigoa was fantastic for the Hurricanes, showing immense power and balance to disrupt pass-rushers. He’s patient with his hands and doesn’t get overwhelmed when facing stiff competition. Mauigoa would be an excellent fit for the Chiefs, especially as the team embarks on becoming a dominant rushing offense to complement Mahomes in the passing game.
Selecting the final piece of the offensive line here makes too much sense after picking up Walker.