Offensive stars highlight potential trade-up targets for Kansas City Chiefs
If the Kansas City Chiefs move up in the 2020 NFL Draft, it will be for a top offensive prospect.
Finding scenarios for some teams to trade up in the 2020 NFL Draft is easy, and for others, not so much. The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are one of those teams where it’s hard to see them moving up.
The Chiefs have just five selections in 2020, and moving up would cost a significant portion of their 2020 draft capital. They could always offer up 2021 picks, but this is a franchise that needs to be able to reload well through the draft while Patrick Mahomes is dominating at the quarterback position.
So, will the Chiefs move up? Probably not. But, if they do, it will be to help out the offense.
It seems pretty shocking since most of the Chiefs’ needs exist on the defensive side of the ball, especially corner and linebacker. However, both positions will have good options fall to them at either pick 32 or 63, and maybe even 96.
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There are three positions to watch for if the Kansas City Chiefs do indeed move up, and likely a specific player at each spot. Let’s look at the prospects.
Henry Ruggs III
This is the most unlikely of the three, but let’s address it first. According to Peter King of NBC Sports, the Chiefs are interested in moving up for Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III. It seems unlikely that it’s smoke, but the odds of them moving up what would likely be 20 spots is a wild proposition. However, they did move up 17 spots for Mahomes, and a similar move for Ruggs would cost their first-round pick next year and more.
The Falcons made a drastic move up for Julio Jones back in 2011, and it worked out. The Kansas City Chiefs could do it this time and add Ruggs to a receiver group featuring Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman. Ruggs brings elite speed, contested-catch ability along with very good route running as a prospect. The Kansas City offense would be nearly impossible to stop if this happened.
D’Andre Swift
Running back is a position the Chiefs may not have to address in the 2020 NFL Draft, at least until day three. But, just like with Ruggs, if they have the chance to move up a bit in the second round to get a top running back, it could happen. D’Andre Swift is an elite running back prospect as far as his receiving ability and lateral agility go, and he would be dangerous with Mahomes and that unit. If Swift falls into the 50s on Friday, look out for a Chiefs trade up.
Cesar Ruiz
This final move isn’t as sexy as the other two, but it makes a ton of sense. Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz is the top interior offensive line prospect for most analysts, and it certainly sounds like he’s going in the first round.
Next. Chiefs 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft. dark
The Kansas City Chiefs could definitely use some help along the offensive line, as they gave up a lot of pressure from the interior during the season. Ruiz would provide stability there as a pass protector and has elite movement skills to thrive in the Kansas City running game. If Ruiz can fall into the mid to late twenties, the Chiefs may decide he’s worth it to help protect their franchise quarterback.