Despite a tough season, the Chiefs target a dynamic Heisman finalist in ESPN's mock draft, potentially transforming their backfield and offense.
The Kansas City Chiefs playoff hopes are officially over.
But, for the first time in what seems like forever, fans can start looking ahead to mock drafts where the Chiefs don't pick in the end of the first round.
There are plenty of areas of need, but having a top-20 pick is a silver lining in what has been a disastrous and forgetful season for the Chiefs, which was capped off by Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL injury in the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Field Yates of ESPN released a new mock draft, and in it, he had the Chiefs selecting Notre Dame star RB Jeremiyah Love.
Here's what Yates wrote about the pick.
"As Kansas City enters an unusual offseason that will likely start when 14 other teams advance to the playoffs, it's clear the offense needs another playmaker. The Chiefs' running backs are averaging just 3.8 yards per carry this season. Is it likely that Love drops to No. 14 to fix that? I have my doubts, but most NFL teams are wary of using a first-round pick at running back when they could address needs at more premium positions. The Chiefs might have some pause after their 2020 selection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32) didn't work out, but Love is too good to pass on here," Yates wrote.
Finally, the Chiefs get a bonafide every-down RB, and Love is coming off an impressive season.
"He's an amazingly explosive, agile and balanced runner who effortlessly makes defenders miss (60 forced missed tackles this season on just 199 carries). The Heisman Trophy finalist is also a legitimate threat in the passing game, with 10.4 yards per catch and three receiving touchdowns this season," Yates added.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner had Love going one pick after the Chiefs and falling to the Minnesota Vikings in his mock, so this seems like a safe floor for Love's profile.
There is almost no doubt he isn't the first RB taken, and while first-round running backs are a rare breed, Love can do it all.
Having Love in the backfield and Mahomes under center, along with young WR such as Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, gives the offense in Kansas City some young legs with lots of potential.
This pick makes a lot of sense for Kansas City, and Love joining a powerhouse team would make the transition from Notre Dame pretty simple.