Couch-Potato's All-In 3-Peat Mock

[Couch-Potato]

Mock Offseason:

Thanks to many of you on the board that contributed to this Frankenstein of a mock! Max leverage, spend it all, 3-peat or bust!!!

I've been calling a Super Bowl with my mocks all year and been adamant we'll keep both Jones and Sneed, so here goes again.

No expenses spared, clever Veach, Andy finds a way...


Free Agency:

Current Cap Space = $27m

1. Trade WR K. Toney for a 7th = +$2.5m
2. Cut WR MVS = +$12m
3. Restructure DL Omenihu -> IR = +$4.5m
4. Restructure QB Mahomes = +$26m
5. Extend SS Justin Reid 3y/$42.25m w/$14.0m SB + convert $7.0m '24 salary to '25 OB 24.0m GAS = $10.8m Cap Hit = -$3.5m

Updated Cap Space = $72m

DT Chris Jones 3y/$90m, w/$18m SB = -$18m
CB L’Jarius Sneed 4y/$70m, w/$12m SB = -$8.5m
LB Tranquill 3yr/$10.5m = -$3.5m
OG Alegretti 1yr/$2.5m = -$2.5m
+
WR Marquise Brown 3y/36.0m w/12.0m SB + 17.8m GAS = -$5.8m
OT Tyron Smith 2yr/$20m = -$7.5m
DE Jadaveon Clowney 1+1y/$15m = -$7.5m
RB Austin Ekeler 1+1y/$12m = -$6m
WR DJ Chark 2yr/$7m = -$3m
DT Foku 1y/$2.5m = -$2.5m
QB Wentz 1y/$1m = -$1m
DL Hurst 1y/$1m = -$1m

Remaining Cap = $8.7m

*Veach likes to fill as many holes in FA as he can before going into the draft. If we want to win a 3-peat, we're going to have to ask Mahomes to help pay for it with a restructure and then attract some quality vets hungry for their 1st Super Bowl on prove-it deals. Motivations are all there for this to happen. This list of outside FAs is pretty sexy, I'd probably be happy with half of them, but they come at relatively low cost so its whatever Pat and brass are willing to do with his contract. Let's say the stars align here.

*M Brown and DJ Chark give us the deep threats we covet, are significant improvements over MVS and Hardman, and will be ready to contribute rather than asking a rookie to handle the workload in year one. More likely Hardman returns or MVS restructures to remain with the champs and in that case we probably only end up with one outside WR addition.

*Tyron Smith feels like the kind of value OT Veach can attract and Morris can spell him when/if he's injured during the year, no better improvement at his rate available at the most important position after QB. Some might prefer D. Smith here for consistency, I'd be happy with that, but feels like the majority prefer and upgrade.

*Ekeler is a high-performer, frustrated with his current org so probably motivated to join the champs, and a perfect fit in Andy's offense on a prove it deal to try and find himself one more decent multi year after a season of success.

*Clowney is our Omenihu replacement, Foku is a big 6-4 335 lb plus-motor NT type to help free CJ up, and Hurst has shined enough to get into our rotation to keep the pressure on and supplement some of what we lost from Omenihu's injury.


Draft:

1. DT T'Vondre Sweat, TX, 6-4, 362 lbs

-15.3% pass rush win rate and 92% rating against the run!

Spoiler!

"At 6'4", 362 LBs with nimble feet, good burst and quick hands, Sweat is a mountain of a man that may remind Chiefs fans of Dontari Poe. Considered one of the best run defenders in the nation, he led a swarming Longhorns defense and routinely chewed up double teams while tallying 28 QB pressures this season.

It's easy to imagine Sweat in Chris Jones' role, absorbing blockers up the middle to allow George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and others to shine on the outside. If Jones sticks around, Sweat could learn from the former Defensive Player of the Year candidate and grow before ultimately taking his place.

Sweat looked dominant at the Senior Bowl against top competition and scouts rave about his motor. There are questions about his lack of a dominant pass-rush move, but that's why learning under defensive line coach Joe Cullen and potentially Jones would be so valuable.

The Chiefs can afford to be patient with Sweat, and the sky is the limit for a player with his size and power. After watching how miserable the Chiefs made Brock Purdy in the Super Bowl by getting pressure up the middle, I'm salivating at the idea of what Sweat could be after a couple of years with the organization.

It's certainly possible Kansas City looks at a wide receiver or even an offensive tackle here, and Oregon's Troy Franklin was certainly a consideration, though for the purposes of this mock I wanted to see what those options would look like in later rounds."

2. WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-3, 227 lbs, 4.29

-85.6% rating against man coverage, 3.15 yards per route run, 6.4 YAC, 2.7% drop rate, wins at all 3 levels, playmaker.

Spoiler!

"Legette is an interesting evaluation, catching only 42 passes for 423 yards and five TDs in his first four college seasons combined before exploding on the scene in 2023 with 71 catches, 1,255 yards and seven TDs.

Despite being a late-bloomer, Legette has excellent speed and is one of the best deep-ball trackers in the class. He's got soft hands and plucks deep balls out of the air, a trait Kansas City receivers have lacked since trading away Tyreek Hill.

Listed at 6'3" and 222 LBs with a low 4.3 40-time, Legette could stretch defenses while Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce work underneath for easy completions.

He had a QB rating of 127.7 when targeted this year and his combination of elite speed and ability to make contested catches down the field has me drooling at the idea of what he could do with Patrick Mahomes under center.

Legette's freakish athletic ability has been compared to D.K. Metcalf, whom the Chiefs infamously passed on in 2019 to select Mecole Hardman. What better way to atone for past mistakes than to snag a potential second-coming?

Though his route-running needs improvement, pairing Sweat with Legette with the first two picks would give the Chiefs two of the best athletes in the class. For an offense that lacks what Legette brings to the table, he's worth the gamble.

He played QB in high school as well, for what it's worth, so he could have that connection with Mahomes that Travis Kelce's past as a QB enabled."

3. LB Junior Colson, Michigan, 6-3, 247 lbs

-80% rating against the run and 83.4% coverage rating.

Spoiler!

"Both Willie Gay Jr. and Drue Tranquill need new contracts, so it's likely the Chiefs need to bolster the linebacker room. What better player to add than the leader of the No. 1 defense in college football?

Listed as the No. 39 overall prospect by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Colson had 196 total tackles over the last two seasons with sideline-to-sideline speed and an adept understanding of blocking schemes and defensive flow. As Brugler put it, "I only need one hand to count the missed tackles I charted off his 2023 tape."

Steve Spagnuolo raves about Nick Bolton's intelligence and ability to lead the defense, and it's hard not to be reminded of Bolton when you watch Colson. We know Spags values versatility as well, and Colson is athletic enough to hold his own in coverage.

He's a well-rounded, intelligent defender with no obvious weaknesses. That's a player the Chiefs can work with, and he'd be a steal in the third round in my eyes.

After snagging two high-upside guys in the first two rounds, getting a high-floor, plug-and-play linebacker here makes sense."

4. RB Jalen Wright, TEN, 5-11, 210 lbs, 4.31

-91.2% Rushing Grade, 7 yards per run avg, 4.35 YAC, 132.2 Elusiveness Rating.

Spoiler!

"Wright runs with violence; he’s capable of thrashing through tacklers, and Wright has the natural balance to withstand contact.
He keeps his pads low and consistently falls forward. Unlike most backs his size, he has the lateral movement and stop-start ability to make defenders whiff. He has breakaway speed in the open field.
Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked #24. He wrote " The 5-11 Wright is up to 200 pounds but displayed some serious juice this offseason, clocking 23.6 mph in practice. Beyond that, Wright vertical-jumped 44 inches and did a 10-8 broad jump."
He gets low and rarely absorbs significant contact, and he shows a nice blend of quickness and patience, maximizing his blocking.
He is a natural playmaker, at his best with the ball in his hands.
He shows good vision and good explosion upfield once he plants his foot. Wright has lateral movement skills and enough speed to threaten big plays. He’s excellent in the passing game, capable of flexing out as a receiver and creating mismatches against linebackers, and he’s a solid back in the screen game.
Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration. Dangerous in the open field."

5a. TE Ben Sinnott, KST, 6-4. 245 lbs

-81% receiving grade, 6.8 YAC, 14 missed tackles.

Spoiler!

"A major factor is his size, strength and explosive athleticism, but Sinnott also has a knack for tracking and high-pointing the ball.
Looks to get involved downfield and will block multiple defenders on a single play when he can. Understands his role as a blocker.
He’s a coordinated hands catcher who does a nice job digging out low throws. He’s very good with the ball in his hands, a violent runner after the catch, and often able to fend off defenders with a straight arm.
He’s coordinated with soft, reliable hands, and he shows the ability to adjust to balls thrown behind him, as well as a knack for digging out low throws.
And showed the ability to get in and out of cuts and create separation. He’s a coordinated hands catcher and extremely violent after the catch, seeking out contact and lowering his shoulder to deliver hits while carrying the ball. Sinnott has surprising straight-line speed.
Sinnott runs precise routes, showing an innate feel for setting up defensive backs to create separation."

5b. OT Zion Nelson, Miami, 6-5, 316 lbs

-Former 1st Rd talent had back to back injury years and has fallen way down the board.

Spoiler!

"Nelson has good length and decent overall size for the position and posses very quick feet and excellent speed. May run as quick a high 4.9s
Very technical pass blocker who has graded very well for the past two years
Rarely is beaten by speed rushers on the edge
Nice long arms - enables him to get into defenders and keep them at a distance
Gets out of stance super quick so you rarely see him beaten off the line
Awareness is above-average for his limited experience. Sells trap block and can turn to seal. Fluid getting to and adjust at the second level.
Really good lateral agility with nice change of direction skills as both a pass protector and a run defender
Has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what's coming. Effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. Can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target.
Versatile - skills translate so will likely be equally accomplished as a right or left tackle in the NFL
Above-average football smarts and general intelligence. Solid character and work ethic.
Has good footwork and technique. Balanced and agile pass protection set with excellent hand placement."

7. DT Evan Anderson, FAU, 6-3, 356 lbs

-5 sacks in 2023 from the NT position.

Spoiler!

"Anderson is strong enough in the lower body to hold up at the point of attack, and Anderson displays a good feel as a grappler in the phone booth, consistently getting blockers off-balance before sending them to the ground.
A massive man, is tough to move and can surprise opponents with his athleticism.
He shows impressive burst and enough quickness to occasionally threaten the edge as a pass rusher.
His ability to clog running lanes, however, is a talent highly coveted in the NFL.
He has the heavy hands and upper-body strength to win with power. Anderson drops his weight and anchors well against the run, holding up at the point of attack and capable of occupying double teams.
Quick off the snap in the pass rush, he has violent hands and a good feel for working inside counter moves."

*WR Franklin is my top choice, currently, but if we can attract a quality WR #1 vet like M Brown and an upgraded deep threat in DJ Chark I'm open to going elsewhere in the 1st.

*DT Sweat is a beast against the run and the pass! Anderson has a lot of the same traits but played against lesser talent. I like a rotation of aggressive, high-motor Goliath's requiring constant double teams in Foku, Sweat, and Anderson to help free up Jones now that Omenihu is out. Karlaftis and Clowney would be set up for big year's too! Colson fits perfectly as Gay's replacement for now, has been compared to Nick Bolton and the sound of having two Boltons is exciting, who he could eventually replacement on the roster if necessary.

*WR Legette has been a bit polarizing amongst fans, but he has the physical traits to make an impact in year one and there's no one I'd trust more to scheme plays up for him than Andy Reid. He's a 5th year, and physical specimen, so I expect him to contribute his rookie year. Wright, Sinnott, and Nelson are all depth pieces with significant upside.


ROSTER:

QB: P. Mahomes, Wentz
RB: I. Pacheco, Ekeler, Wright
WR: M. Brown, R. Rice, DJ Chark, Legette, J. Watson, Moore, Ross
TE: T. Kelce, Stinnot, Gray

LT: T. Smith, Nelson
LG: J. Thuney, Niang
OC: C. Humphrey
RG: T. Smith, N. Allegretti
RT: J. Taylor, W. Morris

DE: Karlaftis, Thompson
DT: Jones, Hurst
DT: Latu, Sweat, Ferrel, Anderson
DE: Clowney, F. Anudike-Uzomah, {*Omenihu-Playoffs???}

LB: N. Bolton, D. Tranquill, L. Chenal, Colson
CB: T. McDuffie, L. Sneed, J. Williams, J. Watson
DB: B. Cook, J. Reid, C. Conner

*This team's better than the one that won the Super Bowl the last two years!

*Let's ****ing dominate!!

*3-Peat!!!

[Couch-Potato]

This was my big board:

Draft:

1. DT Sweat, WR Franklin, OT Guyton, WR Coleman, DL Robinson
2. WR Legette, WR Worthy, TE Sanders, WR Burton, WR Walker
3. LB Colson, WR Corley, WR Rice Jr, WR R. Wilson, OT Puni
4. RB Wright, RB Irving, RB Lloyd, RB Benson, WR Cowing
5.
a. TE Sinnott, OT Jones, TE Johnson, DL Jefferson, WR Cowing
b. OT Zion, DB Simpson, TE Spann-Ford, WR Thrash, LB Barrett
7. DT Anderson, DL Hall, DE Murphy, DB Duck, RB Guerendo, RB Watson

FA:

Tyron Smith, Donavan Smith
Marquise Brown, Tyler Lockett, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, DJ Chark
Austin Ekeler, Antonio Gibson, Zack Moss
Jadaveon Clowney, Leki Foku, Maurice Hurst
Carson Wentz, Blane Gabbert

[kcbubb]

That’s a lot. I’m not sure how you made those numbers work but interesting work. What’s the cap in 2025 and 2026?

[Couch-Potato]

Originally Posted by kcbubb

That’s a lot. I’m not sure how you made those numbers work but interesting work. What’s the cap in 2025 and 2026?

Yeah, the point of this mock is to push the boundaries of what's possible with the cap and our spending to accomplish a 3-peat. All year CP'ers have been advocating for a more conservative approach so I like to present the opposite to open our minds up a bit to the possibilities. The ideas stated in this mock come from a mixture of suggestions and mocks we've seen on this board already to further emphasize the real potential. I prefer to dream big!

I'm just seeing today that the Cap is set at $255.4m in 2024:https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-salary-...regular-season

That's a $5.4m more than I projected above in this mock, and there are several other ways to create additional cap space.

Let Veach, Veach!

Do the unimaginable!

[Couch-Potato]

A cheaper version would be to go with TE Hunter Henry > WR M. Brown, OT D. Smith > T. Smith, RB Antonio Gibson > Ekeler.

[Couch-Potato]

See! We cut MVS... It's all going just like I planned.

Told'ya!

[MahomesMagic]

I like Sweat a lot as a 1st round idea.

This would be the value if we let Jones walk.

[Couch-Potato]

ESPN listed just about every combine participant as a riser lol some by multiple rounds. But amongst them were some of the guys I like to target for our Chiefs so I thought I'd share that here for fun.

DT Sweat
WR Leggette
RB Wright
TE Stinnot
TE Johnson
DB Simpson
RB Guerendo

ESPN praised all the above, best of luck to them!