2024 NFL Draft: 3 Moves the Chiefs Need to Make to Keep the Dynasty Rolling

While it's cliché to say that every National Football League (NFL) game is a challenge, the top teams face another obstacle in their pursuit of glory—the salary cap. It's impossible to stockpile the best player at every position; concessions have to be made in order to balance the books.

That's the situation the Kansas City Chiefs are facing. With a three-peat on the cards, general manager Brett Veach has to strike the right balance between talent and financial realities.

One of the main ways that KC has kept the championship window open is through savvy drafting. Rookies enter the league on limited contracts, and if you can add talent through the draft, that money can be allotted elsewhere. In 2024, for example, someone like center Creed Humphrey, who's playing out the final year of his first contract, only takes up a shade over $5 million in cap space.

With that necessity in mind, let's turn the page to the upcoming NFL draft and three moves that have to be in the Chiefs' playbook.

1. Find a Legitimate Receiver

This one is a pretty clear target, and there's a reason why virtually every mock draft has the defending champs targeting a pass-catcher with their first pick.

Don't forget that the prevailing narrative for most of the 2023 campaign was that the Chiefs offense had collapsed. Without a reliable receiver other than Travis Kelce, KC had to be perfect. If there was a single mistake, whether that was a drop or a bad penalty, the unit couldn't make up the yards and would have to punt.

Rashee Rice's development did take some of the burden off, but that doesn't change the fact that Kansas City needs another target. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is gone, and neither Skyy Moore nor Kadarius Toney looks like a genuine option. Justin Watson does have a knack for coming up with big plays on occasion, but you don't want to rely on him as an every-down player.

And given the financial challenges of staying under the salary cap, drafting a receiver is the more sustainable option than going big-game hunting, especially after this offseason's top targets were plucked off the market.

The remaining question, though, is who the Chiefs should draft.

Xavier Worthy seems like the trendy pick, but it's fair to wonder if this edition of the KC offense needs a speedster. Perhaps someone like Troy Franklin provides similar explosiveness with a bit more physicality?

Names like Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey and Xavier Legette have also been floated as candidates for the 32nd pick.

2. Add Depth in the Trenches

While snagging a new receiver may be exciting, picking up some extra linemen can sound a bit dull. But as Chiefs fans will remember, having success in the trenches can be the difference between an ugly Super Bowl and a successful trip to the big game.

KC is still pretty solid on that front, but depth wouldn't go amiss.

Donovan Smith is a free agent, and it's quite possible that he could leave town, pushing Wanya Morris up the depth chart. Jawaan Taylor and Humphrey will also hit free agency in 2025, with Joe Thuney's contract expiring a year later. It's also worth noting that Nick Allegretti, who's capable of slotting in virtually wherever required, is out of contract this offseason and could seek a starting job elsewhere.

On the defensive side of things, Chris Jones' extension prevented a massive hole from forming, but there are still some other questions. Charles Omenihu is coming off an ACL injury, and only has one year left on his contract. Derrick Nnadi and Mike Danna are also free to leave Arrowhead this spring, if they so desire.

Ideally, that sets up a situation where Veach and company have a bit more wiggle room; it would be great if the rookies could contribute immediately, but there's probably some time for on-the-job learning while veterans carry the torch. It's easier, for example, to play defensive end alongside Jones than it is to try and replace his production.

The options are virtually endless. Do you target a veteran lineman with the ability to cover multiple spots like Allegretti did? Chase a bigger name defensive end to pair with Jones?

We'll just have to the board shakes out and what Veach has up his sleeve.

3. Take Reasonable Flyers on Skill Positions

When you think of skilled players, it's easy to think that the Chiefs have things covered. When you boast Patrick Mahomes and Kelce, after all, it's tough to ask for more without seeming ungrateful.

One of the benefits of having those players is that you can buy some metaphorical lottery tickets in the later rounds.

Kelce, for example, is going to need to be replaced in the coming years. And since KC won't be in a position to draft Brock Bowers, there's no surefire successor to target this year. But, with that being said, maybe the AFC club wants to spend a lower-round pick on a tight end prospect. That way, he either has time to develop or gives Kansas City time to find a truer fit if required.

Elsewhere on offense, we can look at the running back spot. Isiah Pacheco has made the starting job his, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon are both free agents. Even if you want to argue that keeping CEH is a cost-effective way to have a known product for the relatively unimportant role as second-choice ball-carrier, maybe there's an exciting talent to target in the later rounds. Pacheco, after all, landed in Arrowhead as a seventh-round pick.

Beyond that, the latter rounds can be something of a sandbox. Maybe there's a quarterback in the sixth round who's a better long-term backup than a veteran; perhaps KC wants to aim for a raw defensive back who could be coached up by Dave Merritt.

At this point, though, Veach has largely earned the benefit of the doubt. Have there been some flops? Of course, but he's also brought in plenty of players who have played key roles in this modern dynasty. Now, with another Lombardi in the trophy case, he'll have to strike the right balance between improvement and sustainability.