Couch’s First 2024 Mock

[Couch-Potato]

Couch’s First 2025* Mock

Scenario:
Chiefs win the SB and get the 3-Peat!!! I’m focused on keeping the band together, solidifying the trenches, and adding additional firepower for a 4th consecutive Super Bowl run.

Contracts:
Rework Mahomes Contract and extend Thuney, Karlaftis, and McDuffie.

Resign:
OG Smith, WR Brown, WR Hopkins, WR Watson, WR JuJu, QB Wentz, RB Hunt, DL Wharton + other minor deals.

Free Agents:
LB Willie Gay

Notes:
I’m prioritizing Smith over Bolton, Omenihu, or Reid this offseason, protecting Mahomes is paramount. I like Omenihu, a lot, but he didn’t play all year and unless he comes back at a bargain price I’m rewarding Wharton with a deal instead. I want to keep our cost efficient, high talent, WR group together. I’ve played with the cap and contract numbers, it’s tight, but I'll spare everyone the details etc…you get the point.


Draft:
We have a quality Super Bowl roster, clearly. There’s not too much to improve so I’m valuing versatility in the draft as they’ll have a better chance of finding a fit. I want to solidify the trenches and add additional pass catching playmakers for Andy and Pat.

1.18 (Trade 2nd to SEA) LT/RT Josh Simmons, Ohio State, 6-5 & 310 lbs

“2 sack allowed over the last two seasons, 82% pass block rating against top tier competition” - PFF

"Exceptional arm length, providing a significant advantage in pass protection and run blocking scenarios. Powerful upper body strength, evident in his ability to stone-wall pass rushers and drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Explosive initial step for his size. Demonstrates proficiency in jump sets, effectively neutralizing speed rushers off the edge. Versatile experience at both left and right tackle positions, enhancing his value at the next level. Devastating second-level blocker. Potential as a cornerstone tackle.” - Draft buzz

If Simmons drops due to injury and Veach/Andy believe he's the guy, we should jump up and grab him but I’m not sure he’ll be within reach or that team’s will be willing. I’m going to entice them with our 2nd, hell, our 3rd from the Titans will be the very next pick anyway.

Consensus Big Board - “#17-19"

3.66 DE/DL Jordan Burch, Oregon, 6-6 & 195 lbs, 4.65-4.7 speed!

“10 sacks & 4 batted passes” -PFF

"Freakish athleticism for his size, clocking nearly 21 MPH on GPS despite weighing close to 300 pounds. Explosive lower body strength - can make a 34-inch vertical jump and a 685-pound back squat. Exceptional run defender with the power to set a hard edge and maintain outside leverage against offensive tackles. Displays impressive burst off the snap, allowing him to quickly penetrate gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield. Versatile defender capable of lining up in multiple techniques. Excels on stunts and twists, using his rare combination of size and speed to overwhelm interior offensive linemen” - Draft Buzz

Burch is my Omenihu replacement, similar size and versatility, take a look at their college stats and tell me they’re not almost identical! He’s a 5th year so this might be a good spot for him.

Consensus Big Board - “#64-72"

3.96 TE/WR Gadsden, Syracuse, 6-6 & 236 lbs, 4.5 speed!

“73 Rec, 934 yrds, 12.8 avg, 7 tds, #2 TE for deep catches with 9, 82.4 receiving grade” - PFF

"Exceptional athleticism for his size, blending wide receiver agility with tight end stature. Demonstrates elite acceleration and burst, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Possesses advanced route-running skills, using fluid hips and sharp cuts to create separation. Versatile weapon who can line up in-line, in the slot, or split out wide. Dangerous after the catch, using his agility and speed to create additional yardage. Former track athlete. 85% hands ratings, 91% intermediate routes & 92% deep threat. Top Comp = Trey McBride.” -DraftBuzz

Check out these highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oiz1PH8SNSI

Grey, Wiley, and Gadsden would be a fantastic group to replace Kelce WHEN he decides to retire, but I don’t think he’ll be ready yet. In the meantime, Andy will be able to move Gadsden around a bit to create mismatches using him as a WR occasionally like he does with Kelce. I think he’s being outshined currently by the top 3 TEs in this draft and is available for us in the middle rounds because he’s a bit thin out there on the field.

Consensus Big Board - “#80-156”

4.133 RB/WR Brashard Smith, SMU, 5-10 & 195 lbs, 4.4 speed!

“1,332 rushing @ 5.7 avg, 327 receiving @ 8.4 avg, 14 TDs” -DraftBuzz

"Explosive acceleration and elite top-end speed, consistently outrunning defensive angles and turning routine plays into chunk gains. Natural hands from his receiver background, presenting legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield with smooth route-running mechanics. Exceptional vision in space, demonstrated by successful kick return experience and ability to find cutback lanes in zone schemes. Quick-twitch athlete who can stop-start efficiently, showing remarkable change of direction ability despite limited running back experience. Versatile offensive weapon capable of lining up in multiple positions, creating matchup advantages against both linebackers and defensive backs. Demonstrates advanced contact balance for his size, consistently bouncing off initial contact to gain extra yards. Outstanding burst through holes, hitting top speed quickly and exploiting defensive gaps before they close. Special teams ability adds immediate impact.” - DraftBuzz

Best highlights in the draft? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQTwp01IEY

My favorite pick for Andy in this draft, currently, this guys a joystick on the field and no one else would maximize his versatility more as a playmaker. Beautiful agility and real deal speed, former WR transitioned to RB, our Bizarro World Tyreek from a position versatility standpoint but our new McKinnon in truth. I love his downfield pass catching ability and lightning strike run plays. He could rise during the combine, but there are so many RBs in this draft and he failed to impress in the college playoffs so he’s most likely positioned to go in the bottom half of the draft.

Consensus Big Board - “#217-290"

7.233 CB Genty Williams, UCLA, 6-0 & 187 lbs, 4.29 speed!

“3 Interceptions and 30 tackles” - Draftbuzz

"Burner with elite straight-line speed and acceleration, consistently blows the top off coverages. Loose hips and oily smooth transitions, mirrors routes with ease in man coverage situations. Natural ball skills and body control, high-points passes like a wideout due to QB background. Sharp mental processing in zone, quickly diagnoses route combinations and QB intentions. Scheme versatile, can play outside or in the slot, adding value to defensive packages. Ballhawk mentality, consistently finds himself around the rock and creates turnovers. Explosive athlete with a track pedigree, showcases make-up speed to recover when beat.Instincts are outstanding, and he does an excellent job in route recognition.Tracks the ball well and has the natural ball skills for forcing turnovers. High upside day 3 player.” -DraftBuzz

Another high upside athlete for Spag’s DB group, I trust whichever DB they take at the bottom of the draft will become a quality contributor within the next couple years.

Consensus Big Board - “#189-385"


Roster:
QB: Mahomes, Wentz

RB: Pachecco, Hunt, Smith
FB: Steele

WR: Rice, Worthy, Brown, Hopkins, Watson, Smith-Schuster, Remigio
TE: Grey, Wiley, Gadsden

LT: Simmons, Humphries
LG: Thuney, Morris
OC: Creed, Nourzard
RG: Smith, Caliendo
RT: Taylor, Suamataia

DE: Karlaftis, Thompson
DT: Jones, Tuipulotu
DT: Swarson, Pennell
DE: Danna, Burch, FAU

WLB: Gay, Bradley
MLB: Tranquill, Cochrane
SLB: Chenal, Jones

CB: McDuffie, Watson, Williams, Johnson, Williams
S: Hicks, Cook, Conner
K: Butker
P: Araiza

[Couch-Potato]

Results:
Simmons is our new LT, Morris and Suamataia will compete for Taylor’s RT position the following offseason. Our DL looked amazing yesterday, I’m not trying to change too much there but look to Burch to replace Omenihu’s impact in time. Our WR room improved significantly this season, might be the most cost efficient in the league, and with the addition of Rice next season we’ll make a similar leap forward. Gadsden and Smith bring additional pass-catching options, replacing McKinnon is what our running back room really needs to improve and Smith might be able to hit a few lighting strike plays like Hill used to or at least give us more juice on Special Teams. I have faith in whoever Veach & Spags bring in as a late round DB to develop into a quality starter, they’ve done it repeatedly.

I’ve put a few pieces in place to keep our roster and style of play alive for several more seasons, let’s go Chiefs!

[kccrow]

I like alot of this!

I'll just state my major complaints or alternative desires...

RG Trey Smith - I'm letting him walk. I have not been impressed with his performance this year and he's going to require a hefty bag. I think you let him go for that bag elsewhere and replace him with a guy you've spent a high-end pick on like Suamataia, especially if you're going to go after a LT high in the draft like this.

LB Nick Bolton - I'd like to see more athleticism there, a bit better coverage chops. I really like Jamien Sherwood from the Jets there. I think Sherwood will cost half the price of Bolton, at least. Tyler Dodson wouldn't be bad as a more direct replacement if he comes in cheaper. I also would like to see another LB added in the draft. Maybe that 3rd rounder used on Gadsden.

I don't like re-siging Gay. I never much cared for Gay, that's out there for all to see. I also don't think Spags really liked Gay all that much. He never seemed to really put it together mentally and Spags seems to like smart football players.

I might use the money saved on Smith and not re-signing Omenihu to get an Omenihu-like dude in Dallas DE Chauncey Golston. I think he's coming into his own and offers much of the same versatility and ability at a younger age (26) and with fewer injuries in his past. I really like Burch and wouldn't be opposed to still drafting him, though with this signing I might target a DT here like Tennessee's Omar Norman-Lott.


I don't really like drafting another TE or going after Gadsden particularly. Even if Kelce retires, we have a decent stable available. If anything, I might target a dynamic slot WR instead.

I like it all fine otherwise.

[Couch-Potato]

Thanks for the feedback Crow!

Yeah, I have trouble letting go of Trey Smith and love Bolton too. Hard for me to accept taking one step back at IOL even thought Smith didn’t light the league on fire this year. I think there’s some contract magic Veach can work to make a Smith signing fit but clear that Bolton is more important as a leader on our D than Smith is to our offense. Tough choices. Gadsden is my Wiley insurance, not sure what we have in him and although I like Grey, he’ll never be top tier in the league so I want to ensure I pair him with another quality TE for Kelce’s inevitable retirement.

[DenverChief]

I like all of it with maybe a few tweaks- not sure Wentz wants to continue to be the b/u, he might be looking to start somewhere and at 32 his window is closing. Maybe take a flyer on Winston or Fields? I mean Andy is the soothsayer of QB's whatever he thinks he can work with I'm all in.

Love the idea of having Hunt/Pacheco RBBC with a rook learning behind them.

Maybe replace Watson with a younger draftee?

Don't discount Hendershot at TE- he has done really well for us.

Oh and I may let Smith walk if they feel that Morris or Kingsley can fill in.

[Hoover]

I think you are severly undervaluing what it would take to extend Thuney/McDuffie/Karlaftis AND sign guys like mith, WR Brown, WR Hopkins, WR Watson, WR JuJu, and Wharton.

I love Hunt's return, but you don't bring him back. You are drafting a RB in this draft and POP will be in his final year. The last thing you do is double down on an older RB.

I'm really curious where the OTs fall in the draft. There are a few I think we move for, but I'm not convinced that we are going to be in a position to be trading away our second rounder. I see the Chiefs staying put. This is a great draft for a DT and Running Backs. I'd love to add a talented corner, because if you are paying McDuffie, you have to counter balance it with a cheap rookie. LB has to be something to watch for too, especially if you are letting Bolton walk.

[Couch-Potato]

Wharton is a curious contract, how much do you guys think he’s earned?

[JPH83]

I really like most of this couch, but I also like some of kccrow's suggested changes.

I'd similarly not bring back Smith, as much as I like him and probably rate him more than others. But I'd use the money on someone like Chase at DE. Riskier but I think we need a guy at DE with a more alluring ceiling than our current stable.

I have no issue with adding a TE like Gadsden, but I think I'd prioritise the BPA on defense. A coverage LB would be ideal, but a CB, safety, or DL addition would be just fine with me.

Great work. Thanks for posting!

[Couch-Potato]

Originally Posted by JPH83

I really like most of this couch, but I also like some of kccrow's suggested changes.

I'd similarly not bring back Smith, as much as I like him and probably rate him more than others. But I'd use the money on someone like Chase at DE. Riskier but I think we need a guy at DE with a more alluring ceiling than our current stable.

I have no issue with adding a TE like Gadsden, but I think I'd prioritise the BPA on defense. A coverage LB would be ideal, but a CB, safety, or DL addition would be just fine with me.

Great work. Thanks for posting!

Thanks for your feedback!

My hope for Gadsden is that he’d play a dual WR & TE role in our offense and serves as an additional pass-catcher. I’m so happy we finally put together a high caliber WR room that I’m resistant to any turnover lol. I guess I feel the same way about our IOL, resistant to taking a potential step backwards.

I like Chase too, but he’s never really performed to expectations and I’d probably rather go with Omenihu if I had to take my pick. Wondering what you guys would value Omenihu’s contract at? A bit tricky for him and Brown bc they didn’t play all season.

[Couch-Potato]

ESPN believes we’ll prioritize keeping Trey Smith:

Smith's rookie deal is up, and he was a sixth-round pick, so the Chiefs don't hold a fifth-year option on him. Chiefs center Creed Humphrey -- his 2021 draftmate -- got his big extension last offseason, landing a four-year deal worth $72 million. Smith is now a priority this offseason, as Kansas City tries to keep its elite interior offensive line group together. Smith's 95.6% pass block win rate since entering the NFL in 2021 ranks second at guard behind only Joe Thuney, who traditionally plays Kansas City's other guard spot. (He was moved to tackle this season.)

The offensive line franchise tag number is tied to top tackle pay, as it doesn't differentiate between tackles, guards and centers. So it will likely cost the Chiefs more than $25 million to franchise Smith for 2025.

The Eagles' Landon Dickerson is at the top of the guard market, earning $21 million per year. Based on what I'm hearing, it shouldn't be a problem for the Chiefs to give Smith a deal that at least matches that in terms of annual value and tops the $63 million in guarantees that Robert Hunt got from the Panthers.

Prediction: Five years, $105 million, $65 million guaranteed -- which would tie for first among guards in average annual value.

[Dunerdr]

I just don't see paying Smith like he's going to get paid. He's the 3rd/4th best linemen on that line depending on how you view Taylor. You just cant pay everyone.

[Couch-Potato]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

I just don't see paying Smith like he's going to get paid. He's the 3rd/4th best linemen on that line depending on how you view Taylor. You just cant pay everyone.

"How Can Chiefs Afford to Re-Sign Trey Smith Ahead of NFL Free Agency?

Some fans may question how the Chiefs are going to be able to re-sign Smith to a $21 million AAV with approximately $11.504 million in estimated cap space. The answer: Brett Veach.

After the Super Bowl — and hopefully some KC festivities — you’ll likely see the Chiefs GM restructure a few veteran contracts in order to free up more room for Smith, starting with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City seems to restructure Mahomes’ very lucrative 10-year deal every offseason, and they can do so again in 2025 according to Over the Cap. Per OTC, the Chiefs can save up to $38.996 million by restructuring the superstar QB’s contract once again.

They could also create another $20.696 million in cap space by restructuring Chris Jones — although that might be a little less likely due to his age and position.

Either way, these are both options, as are alternative contract restructures like right tackle Jawaan Taylor, center Creed Humphrey or minor cap savings such as linebacker Drue Tranquill and defensive end Mike Danna. All in all, those four players combined can free up nearly $19 million if Veach feels he needs it.

That’s almost enough for Smith’s contract projection, assuming the cap hits aren’t weighted, and that’s before you even take into account Mahomes or Jones.

In other words, the Chiefs should have enough room to re-sign their trusty guard as Graziano has been “hearing.” The question is really whether or not they want to.”

That’s enough flexibility to sign Smith, Bolton, and others…just sayin.

[Boxer_Chief]

I really like Gadsen. I play daily fantasy and picked him a lot and he scored a lot of points for me. Of course that offense put up big numbers all the way around so who knows.