Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs Post-Draft 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Kansas City Chiefs rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 1.8 (2nd)
  • Best ranking: 1st (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 2nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

Player who benefited most from draft: QB Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs finished a rebuild of their offensive line by trading their first-round pick to the Ravens in return for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and then drafting center Creed Humphrey in the second round. That means the Chiefs will have eight new linemen this upcoming season, and there's a strong possibility the Chiefs will have a completely different group of starters. Mahomes is unlikely to be harassed like he was in Super Bowl LV. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

The Chiefs couldn't protect Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, and they've spent this offseason determined never to let that happen again. They gave huge money to guard Joe Thuney, then pulled off a brilliant trade in the lead-up to the draft to land Orlando Brown Jr., who has the potential to be Mahomes' sturdy blindside protector for a decade. Kansas City continued to invest up front through the draft, selecting Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey with the 63rd overall pick. Last year, the Chiefs paid Mahomes. This year, they protected him. Smart team does smart things.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

As long as Patrick Mahomes is slinging it -- and staying upright -- they are the team to beat in the AFC. They do need to generate more pressure on defense.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

An offensive line that was Kansas City's downfall in Super Bowl 55 now projects as the strongest unit on the team after the procurement of G Joe Thuney in free agency and LT Orlando Brown Jr. in a trade -- plus quality depth from the draft.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

If you have ever played offensive line at a competent level in junior high, high school, college or the NFL, chances are Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach called you this offseason about potentially joining the Chiefs. To say Kansas City took its Super Bowl loss to heart would be an understatement. The Chiefs saw their banged-up offensive line get tossed around and proceeded to trade for Orlando Brown Jr., sign Joe Thuney, Kyle Long and Austin Blythe, and draft Creed Humphrey in the second round. The Chiefs will also count on Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Lucas Niang -- two players who opted out last year.

None of their five projected starters up front were on the team last season. They could take some time to jell, but on paper it's a deep and talented group that should help keep Patrick Mahomes upright and put the Chiefs in the Super Bowl mix once again.

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