Prior to this month's draft, 1SBD's Mark Hogan takes an in-depth look into each team's current projected starters and identifies strengths and lingering team needs after the first waves of free agency.
Player stats collected from Pro Football Reference. Base salary information per Over The Cap.
Key Takeaways
PROS
- Despite being one of this off-season's most exciting signings, safety Tyrann Mathieu's cap number is just $1.2 million more than depth player - and potential 2019 starter? - Daniel Sorenson. Mathieu has 55 more starts despite playing in only 19 more games. Getting such a game-changing talent at a low-price is what the Chiefs need as they get a more-balanced roster.
- The trade for Cleveland's Emmanuel Ogbah might be an underrated move by the front office. He looks to fit in nicely to Steve Spagnuolo's new scheme. It is a relatively good looking group considering it costs just $7.2 million -- helped by Chris Jones' rookie contract. Two former second round picks - Tanoh Kpassagnon (2017) and Breeland Speaks (2018) - look set to transition from linebacker and could make an impact. UPDATE: The team traded for defensive end Frank Clark. A proven player like him is worth more than draft picks an dramatically helps the team's defense.
CONS
- After losing defensive stalwarts Eric Berry, Justin Houston and Dee Ford this off-season, the team needs to heavily reinvest in some defensive play-makers. The aforementioned Mathieu signing was a start, but spending the second round pick acquired for Ford on defense could be a good way to continue. The team needs to look at defense a lot in the draft or risk downgrading an already shaky unit.
- Another key free agency loss was centre Mitch Morse. They won't find such a high-impact guy in the draft but need someone to fill his role.
- The team has a big need at running back. Damien Williams proved a capable fill in down the stretch last season but has only started seven regular season games since entering the league in 2014. Williams gained 572 yards on 93 touches (6.1 yards per touch) in his five game - including post-season - audition last season. It's likely the Chiefs will draft someone to compete for the job.
- Don't be surprised if Kansas City takes a cornerback towards the end of round one after losing starter Steven Nelson in free agency. The Chiefs haven't invested a lot in the position financially and it showed in last year's unproductive group. Charvarius Ward looked good in limited action last year but is not projected to start.
Projected Starters
NOTE:
NAME, Draft Round.Overall Pick (TEAM, year). Starts/Games Played. Age. Cap Hit 2019
QB has an additional 'total yards, number of attempts (yards per attempt)' figure.
RB, WR and TE have an additional ‘total yards / number of touches (yards per touch)’ statistic
Age as of Sunday September 8, 2019 (Week 1)
QUARTERBACK
PATRICK MAHOMES II, 1.10 (KC, 2017), 17/17. 5,381 yards, 615 attempts (8.7 y/a). 23-years-old. $4,479,808
RUNNING BACK
DAMIEN WILLIAMS, undrafted (MIA, 2014). 7/74. 1,626 yards/ 291 touches (5.6). 27-years-old. $1,733,333
WIDE RECEIVER
TYREEK HILL, 5.165 (KC, 2016). 30/47. 3,732 yards/ 286 touches (13.0). 25-years-old. $2,042,500
SAMMY WATKINS, 1.04 (BUF, 2014). 60/62. 3,632 yards/ 240 touches (15.1). 26-years-old. $19,200,000
DEMARCUS ROBINSON, 4.126 (KC, 2016). 13/48. 500 yards/ 43 touches (11.6). 24-years-old. $2,154,923
Average: 98th overall pick. 103 starts/ 157 games played (66.6%). 13.2 yards/ 569 touches. 25-years-old. Total cap hit: $23.4M
TIGHT END
TRAVIS KELCE, 3.63 (KC, 2013). 73/80. 5,328 yards/ 413 touches (12.7). 29-years-old. $10,718,400
OFFENSIVE LINE
ERIC FISHER, 1.1 (KC, 2013). 90/94. 28-years-old. $13,650,000
CAMERON ERVING, 1.19 (CLE, 2015). 34/56. 27-years-old. $3,166,041
AUSTIN REITER, 7.222 (WAS, 2015). 5/28. 27-years-old. $1,427,083
LAURENT DUVERNAY-TARDIF, 6.200 (KC, 2014). 43/46. 28-years-old. $8,253,000
MITCHELL SCHWARTZ, 2.37 (CLE, 2012). 112/112. 30-years-old. $8,000,000
Average: 96th overall pick. 284 starts/ 336 games played (84.5%). 28-years-old. Total cap hit: $33.1M
DEFENSIVE LINE
CHRIS JONES, 2.37 (KC, 2016). 29/48. 25-years-old. $1,982,667
DERRICK NNADI, 3.75 (KC, 2018). 11/16. 23-years-old. $891,350
FRANK CLARK, 2.63 (SEA, 2015). 33/62. 26-years-old. $17,128,000
EMMANUEL OGBAH, 2.32 (CLE, 2016). 40/40. 25-years-old. $1,351,314
Average: 52nd overall pick. 113 starts/ 166 games played (68.1%). 24.8-years-old. Total cap hit: $21.4M
LINEBACKERS
DORIAN O’DANIEL, 3.100 (KC, 2018). 1/16. 25-years-old. $797,879
ANTHONY HITCHENS, 4.119 (DAL, 2014). 63/75. 27-years-old. $9,500,000
REGGIE RAGLAND, 2.41 (BUF, 2016). 25/28. 25-years-old. $1,246,551
Average: 87th overall pick. 89 starts/ 119 games played (74.8%). 26-years-old. Total cap hit: $11.5M
CORNERBACK
BASHAUD BREELAND, 4.102 (WAS, 2014). 63/67. 27-years-old. $2,000,000
KENDALL FULLER, 3.84 (WAS, 2016). 27/44. 24-years-old. $2,025,000
Average: 93th overall pick. 90 starts/ 111 games played (81.1%). 25.5-years-old. Total cap hit: $4.0M
SAFETY
TYRANN MATHIEU, 3.69 (AZ, 2013). 73/82. 27-years-old. $5,933,333
DANIEL SORENSON, undrafted (KC, 2014). 18/63. 29-years-old. $4,693,750
Average: 163rd overall pick. 91 starts/ 145 games played (62.8%). 28-years-old. Total cap hit: $10.6M
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