The Kansas City Chiefs are primed to seize the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft as a pivotal opportunity to fortify their roster and sustain their championship pedigree. With a substantial draft haul, including a valuable compensatory pick, the Chiefs possess the resources to strategically address pressing needs and secure the talent necessary for continued dominance.
This offseason, the Chiefs find themselves navigating a delicate defensive scenario that could profoundly shape their future. The cryptic social media messages from star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and the mindblowing Chris Jones deal have ignited speculation and intrigue, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the draft approaches.
Chiefs armed with 7 picks in 2024 draft
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The Kansas City Chiefs have seized control of their draft destiny, amassing an impressive haul of seven total picks, including a coveted compensatory selection in the fifth round. This strategic move provides the team with invaluable flexibility as they construct their vision for the upcoming season and beyond. Their updated draft order is as follows:
Round 1: No. 32 overall
Round 2: No. 64 overall
Round 3: No. 95 overall
Round 4: No. 131 overall
Round 5: No. 158 overall (from Dallas Cowboys trade)
Round 5: No. 172 overall (Compensatory Pick)
Round 7: No. 252 overall
The Chiefs received the No. 172 selection in the fifth round as a compensatory pick awarded to teams that lost significant free agents the previous year, including offensive tackle Andrew Wylie to the Washington Commanders. This extra pick boosted their draft capital to seven choices across the rounds.
Kansas City did forfeit their original fifth-round pick when trading up to select defensive back Chamarri Conner at No. 119 overall in the 2023 draft. The Chiefs sent pick No. 134 and their original 2024 fifth-rounder to the Minnesota Vikings to move up for Conner. They also dealt their 2024 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Neil Farrell last summer, leaving them without a sixth-round selection.
However, as the Chiefs diligently prepare their draft strategy, the future of defensive cornerback L’Jarius Sneed hangs precariously in the balance, with the team’s new deal with Chris Jones.
Sneed’s Saga and Chiefs’ Offseason Deal
In a blockbuster move, the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up defensive tackle Chris Jones with a mammoth 5-year, $95 million contract extension. As tweeted by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, “The #Chiefs and All-Pro DT Chris Jones have a blockbuster deal to keep him in KC, per his agents @KatzBrosSports. The top free agent is off the market and a huge move for the champs.”
Jones, who had 8 tackles, 6 QB hits, and a forced fumble in last year’s playoffs, recently used an hourglass emoji on social media to highlight the urgency of his contract situation. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking, as the Chiefs find themselves entangled with the future of L’Jarius Sneed. Kansas City opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 27-year-old Sneed, a move that will pay the two-time Super Bowl champion which allows him to field offers from other teams while negotiations continue.
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Still learning, still growing, still dreaming, still going 🦅!
— Sneed (@jay__sneed) March 7, 2024
Amidst the trade debates, Sneed took to social media with a cryptic message: “Still learning, still growing, still dreaming, still going!” His tone suggests a willingness to explore options that align with his aspirations and perceived value as he seeks a long-term lucrative deal.
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But with the signing of Jones, the chiefs seem clear on their strategy to secure their consistent guns.
Read More: Chris Jones’ $95M Contract: Patrick Mahomes Breathes Sigh of Relief at Chiefs DT’s Guaranteed Deal