Ben Cunningham (@benc1357)

After three straight AFC Championship Games and two Super Bowl appearances the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves facing serious salary cap challenges entering the 2021 season. Few in the NFL have proven themselves as masters of the salary cap more than the Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach, and his skills will be put to the test this offseason. The NFL salary cap is predicted to drop, perhaps significantly, due to the losses in revenue during the 2020 season cause by the Covid-19 pandemic. The final cap number is not yet known, but estimates place it at approximately $180MM which is significantly lower than the past year. This leaves Kansas City approximately $23MM over the salary cap heading into the new league year.

While the focus here will be on what the Chiefs may do in free agency at the running back and wide receiver positions it is important to note the impact from other positions. To create enough cap space to maneuver the offensive positions of need decisions will be needed on expensive contracts for players like Frank Clark, Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz, and others. Between a combination of converting salary to bonuses, restructuring contracts, or releasing aging veterans enough cap space could be created to add a secondary wide receiver and a suitable backup running back. As recently as this week local media in Kansas City were discussing that a restructuring of Patrick Mahomes’ $500MM contract could free up $17MM in salary cap space. The Chiefs have options, it comes down to how much longer they want to kick the can down the road on certain high value contracts.

Running Back

Prior to the 2020 season Super Bowl LIV hero Damien Williams opted out due to Covid-19 to care for his mother who has stage four cancer. This left newly drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the only viable running back on the roster. Williams’ fate is in the balance as he missed a full season of play and the team could save $2.2MM by releasing him.

After being released by the New York Jets Le’Veon Bell was signed by Kansas City in the middle of the season to supplement Edwards-Helaire. To say the signing was a failure would be an understatement. After just a few impressive plays Bell was relegated to the bench and was out played by journeyman Darrell Williams down the stretch. Bell will likely not return to the team after his short and unsuccessful stint.

I would not expect the Chiefs to spend much money on free agent running backs given the other positional needs and salary cap space challenges. The team will likely either draft a middle to late round running back to serve as the primary backup or sign a middle of the road free agent. Given those assumptions let’s review three possible running backs that could fit into the Chiefs situation.

Jamaal Williams ”“

Williams has the consistency and all around game to be an excellent complimentary running back, as he proved in Green Bay while spelling Aaron Jones. With the ability to run the ball effectively, provide decent pass protection, make plays in the passing game, and an amazing ability to secure the ball any team that lands the former Packer will be better off for doing so. Williams literally has zero fumbles on 622 career touches, a truly amazing stat that teams will value immensely.

Boston Scott ”“

Scott is another player that has shared the backfield and been effective with the limited opportunities has was afforded. With career averages of 4.4 yards per carry and 8.5 yards per reception Scott is an ideal limited touches back that can provide a spark at just the right time in an explosive offense such as the Chiefs. The link between Doug Peterson and Andy Reid could also provide a path for Scott to Kansas City.

Wayne Gallman ”“

After an illustrious career with Clemson Gallman entered the NFL looking to have a shot to be a starter for the New York Giants. After one season though the team selected Saquon Barkley and the rest is history, or so we thought. Thrust into the starting role after Barkley tore his ACL early in 2020 Gallman proved himself capable with 4.6 yards per carry, and showing the ability to be a competent pass catcher, in one of the NFL’s worst offenses. I have long been a believer in Gallman’s skill set as a well-rounded running back, and on the right offense he could be serviceable at the right price. Teams must pay attention to backs with power, pass catching abilities, and the speed to do this:

Wide Receiver

Sammy Watkins has been a nice player for the Chiefs, including scoring the touchdown that effectively put the team into Super Bowl LIV, however the team can no longer afford to spend highly on a player that cannot consistently stay on the field. There is little chance that Watkins returns to the team as he searches for his fourth team in an up and down career marred by injuries. In an ideal world the team would have a young receiver waiting to assume the secondary role to Tyreek Hill, however that is not the case.

Drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft Mecole Hardman was taken during a time of uncertainty for Kansas City. Days before that draft news had broken that Hill had potential legal troubles and the team took Hardman earlier than many expected the team to address the wide receiver position. Hardman has shown flashes, his speed is rivaled only by The Cheetah on the team, but his lack of consistent play would lead us to believe the Chiefs will be in the market for a strong WR2.

Given the needs at other positions the Chiefs may find it difficult to spend too much cap space on a secondary receiver, however they were willing to invest heavily in the position the previous two seasons with Watkins and it would not be a surprise to see them do the same moving forward. Let’s take a look at three possible players that Andy Reid could use to maximize his offense’s output, admittedly these players are on the higher end of the salary possibilities assuming the team will spend to give Patrick Mahomes the strongest weapons possible.

Corey Davis ”“

After a slow start to his career the heralded wide receiver out of Western Michigan enjoyed his best year in 2020 hauling in 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. Davis would provide an excellent complement underneath and in the seems opposite Travis Kelce while Hill and Hardman stretch the field. The likelihood of Davis’ salary demands matching the Chiefs offering price may be a challenge, however one cannot ignore the lure of catching passes from Mahomes and being an annual Super Bowl contender.

Marvin Jones ”“

Jones is an interesting player that has spent his entire career playing second fiddle to the likes of AJ Green, Golden Tate, and Kenny Golladay. In 2020 Jones was finally thrust into the lead role due to Golladay playing only five games and he responded with a stat line of 76 receptions for 978 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His salary demands could be more realistic than other top free agents given his age and the lure of finally playing for a contending team after a career in Cincinnati and Detroit. For the price, Jones ability to make contested catches in space makes him a great fit for the Chiefs’ offense opposite Hill:

Allen Robinson ”“

Imagine being an top receiver in the NFL and catching nearly all of your career passes from Blaine Gabbert and Mitchell Trubisky. Robinson has amassed 457 career receptions with 5,999 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns with about as poor of quarterback play as one could imagine. While his salary demands may be too high for the Chiefs Robinson is another player that could forego a top salary to finally play on a top caliber team. He tweeted these thoughts during Super Bowl LV a month ago”¦

While Kansas City may apply their draft and free agency resources toward the offensive line and various defensive positions there is still a need for solid contributors at the secondary running back and wide receiver positions. Given the real possibility that veteran players seeking a Super Bowl title may take discounted contracts to play with one of the best quarterbacks of this generation the upcoming offseason decisions will be intriguing to say the least.

The post RB/WR Free Agent Targets For Kansas City Chiefs appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Ben Cunningham (@benc1357)

Now that the Super Bowl has come and gone dynasty league enthusiasts shift their focus to the annual process of scouting incoming rookies and debating what order they should be selected in our rookie drafts.

The process is a right of passage for dynasty players, and there are many methods that players use to prioritize their rookie picks. This year there will be no NFL combine which will impact those that use 40 yard dash times, vertical jump heights, and hand size to decide how good these young men will be in the NFL.

Conversely, the never-ending debate between the film grinders and the analytics junkies provides constant Twitter entertainment. And of course, fantasy analysts conduct mock drafts to show dynasty players what their draft may look like.

Members of the ProFootballMania team came together to do a mock dynasty draft in the past week. This draft is for a 1QB league, and while Superflex leagues continue to grow in popularity it is easy to translate 1QB draft results to Superflex.

Simply move all of the good quarterbacks to the top of the first round and move lesser talented ones up approximately one round. With that, let’s take an early look at the 2021 draft class and how our dynasty drafts may look this spring.

First Round

1.01 – @JMoeller05 – Ja’Marr Chase

This decision came down to three players for me with the first pick ”“ Chase, Najee Harris, and Kyle Pitts. I took Chase as he is my top-ranked skill player in this draft class. I have him currently ranked as a top 10 dynasty wide receiver. The guy can truly do it all and will make an immediate impact on your team. Without knowing draft capital and landing spot it was a clear choice as the top pick for me.

My Comments: Generally viewed as the top wide receiver, if not the top overall rookie, Chase plays with attitude and has the skills to back it up. It is hard to argue with him being the top overall pick.

1.02 – @menudo_man – Devonta Smith

Devonta Smith was the Heisman Trophy winner and did just about everything imaginable in the National Championship Game for Alabama. The one knock on Smith is that he’s undersized which may lead to him getting drafted a bit later in the 2021 NFL Draft in April. The later he’s drafted, the better of a team he will be joining which should lead to more opportunities to have the ball in his hands.

My Comments: Historic production in a small package, Smith is already creating debates in fantasy circles about his ability to translate to the NFL. Players of his size often struggle to succeed in the NFL, however, he will be given a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

1.03 – @rajala_jake – Travis Etienne

Travis Etienne is a consistent speed back that stays healthy as much as you could ask. He’s dangerous in the open field, and he’s going to be a sure fire top two running back off the board. Jonathan Taylor took a while to get going this past season, but I expect a faster start from the Clemson stud. He’s going to likely be a three down ball carrier and whoever takes him will have a plan and preseason to get him in sync.

My Comments: Top RB Etienne choosing to not enter the 2020 NFL draft confused some, including myself. He didn’t add anything to his resume we hadn’t already seen, but he got older and took more hits.

1.04 – @luvtractor3 – Trevor Lawrence

Even though this is a 1QB draft, if I don’t already have a top-tier quarterback like Mahomes, Rodgers, Allen, or Murray then I like my chances with an automatic first-year starter. Lawrence is a genius at throwing the accurate ball both deep and short. He reminds me of a young Peyton Manning, and that is a chance I am willing to take in the 1st round. He is the only rookie QB I am willing to bet on early. With Urban Meyer at the helm, the sky is the limit for this young QB!

My Comments: Quarterbacks seldom go this early in 1QB leagues. However if Lawrence meets his potential dynasty players could have a top scoring player at his position for over a decade.

1.05 – @edaniels77 – Justin Fields

Justin Fields has the rare blend of arm talent, accuracy, and running ability. Earning 90+ PFF grades each of his three years in college; he proved that he has the consistency profile that should translate to the league. The most transferable trait that should have NFL teams excited is his high consistency from a clean pocket. Any team that drafts Fields should be excited about his prospects as a franchise quarterback.

My Comments: A fine quarterback that will likely start at some point during his rookie year, some would have waited to select him later in the draft. Yet like Lawrence, he could be a top-scoring for years to come.

1.06 – @Drew_Feinberg – Najee Harris

A strong, physical runner with speed and hurdles to kill, Harris is my RB1 in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Harris should make an immediate impact on fantasy football teams and against opposing defenses. Seeing as though Travis Etienne was taken with the third overall pick, getting Harris with the sixth overall pick is what some would call “taking candy from a baby.”

My Comments: When we all saw “The Hurdle” the hype train hit full speed ahead. Another player who could have entered the NFL after a huge 2019 season all Harris did was explode for more in 2020. A great value at the sixth pick, I doubt he falls this far in many drafts.

1.07 – @EuanOrYouOut – Jaylen Waddle

Ja’Marr Chase is the clear No. 1 receiver in this class. Devonta Smith and Waddle are in a 2a/2b situation. Smith has the hype (and the Heisman), but I think Waddle’s absence in 2020 is causing people to fall asleep at the draft wheel. I’ll happily grab him when he slips outside the top five picks.

My Comments: Another in a long line of ”˜Bama wide receivers that will display his skills won Sundays. Waddle could earn early opportunity through his returning abilities as well.

1.08 – @BodaciousBeer – Javonte Williams

Honestly, I was surprised to see Javonte Williams fall to me in the 8th spot, as Williams is my top running back target. I do like Najee Harris, but I am more impressed with Williams cutting ability and first step burst after the cut. Frankly, I think he would be a dream in a zone-blocking running scheme and he has the size to be a three-down back in the NFL. He also is quite savvy catching balls out the backfield. He’s at least a top-three running back prospect in this class, this felt like a steal at pick eight.

My Comments: After the top two running backs there are a lot of opinions on which one is next, and some even view Williams above Harris and Etienne. Opportunity always matters for running back and it will be interesting to see if a team with vacated volume selects the former Tarheel who can play on all downs.

1.09 – @benc1357 – Kyle Pitts

By the time more rookie drafts happen in May Pitts likely won’t make it to the ninth pick, however I was thrilled to take the darling of dynasty twitter at this spot.

In his age 19 and 20 seasons Pitts accumulated 97 catches for 1419 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, leading all college tight ends in 2020. While even the best tight ends often take a couple of years to master the position at the NFL level Pitts is poised to make an immediate impact with his athletic ability.

He won’t be asked to block much, being a more wide receiver than true tight end, and that will be great for dynasty players that select him. The sky appears to be the limit and at a position where dynasty players can differentiate from their opponents selecting Pitts could make teams league winners for years to come.

1.10 – @fantasy_moore – Rondale Moore

Rondale Moore may be the most explosive and dynamic playmaker in this year’s draft class. Injuries have been a concern with Moore over his college career, but if he can stay healthy there’s no question Moore has game-changing talent. His situation will determine how effective Moore is in the NFL, but I love his talent and potential. With the 1.10 pick, Moore seemed like an easy decision in this spot.

My Comments: A monster breakout season at age 18 is always a great signal for future success, however after 2018 Moore has struggled to stay on the field. His size may scare away some but you cannot argue with his playmaking ability.

1.11 – @TalksVitale – Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman has been steadily rising up the rookie rankings since the offseason began. His 6’2”, 210 pound frame makes him a big bodied receiver that can challenge any corner in the league. There are some listing Bateman as the WR2 or WR3 in this draft class, making Bateman an absolute steal at the 11^th pick.

My Comments: I would argue Bateman may actually end up being the top wide receiver of the 2021 class when all is said and done. He shared the spotlight with Tyler Johnson in 2019 and then lost his opportunity to shine in 2020 due to the pandemic.

1.12 – @KitchenIsDads – Kadarius Toney

Coming out of high powered, University of Florida, Kadarius Toney is an ultra-elusive, complete, wide receiver. At 5’ 11”, 189 lbs., Toney has tremendous balance and a beautiful burst of breakaway speed. He led the team in receiving with 70 receptions for 985 yards and 10 touchdowns. Plus 19 rushing attempts for 161 yards, and a touchdown. He was also a primary return specialist for the team. He had 7 kick returns for 155 yards, and 11 punt returns for 139 yards and a touchdown. He was the shiftiest player in the SEC and always seemed to make a player miss in the open field, lookout!

My Comments: As a member of #TeamAnalytics I worry about Toney’s lack of early age production and that he played all four years in college, both indicators of a low probability of NFL success. However, the hype is building. Another player that could earn playing time through success as a returner.

Second Round

2.01 – @JMoeller05 – Jermar Jefferson

Jefferson is one of my favorite players in this draft. He is a true three down back with home run hitter potential. If Jefferson is drafted in the first few rounds it will be wheels up for him in the NFL.

2.02 – @menudo_man – Tutu Atwell

Tutu Atwell is undersized but has speed for days. He will excel with bubble screens and jet sweeps, which many teams have incorporated into their offense.

2.03 – @rajala_jake – Zach Wilson

Zach Wilson is a dual threat quarter back that has a good chance of not landing on a horrid team like the Jaguars or Jets, but perhaps being equipped in an offense like Carolina where he gets weapons galore. Wilson will also show the NFL world how athletic he is soon as physical testing gets underway.

2.04 – @luvtractor3 – Kenneth Gainwell

The running back out of Memphis is a versatile back that was used as a runner and receiver. Gainwell has incredible footwork, speed, hands, and cuts that make him hard to tackle in the open field.

2.05 – @edaniels77 – Terrace Marshall

Terrace Marshall has physical gifts that most wide receivers in the class don’t possess. Showing the versatility to play in the slot and outside; he uses his size, speed, and strong hands to dominate opposing defensive backs.

2.06 – @Drew_Feinberg – Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown has a fantastic ability to create separation and can produce in a variety of ways that will translate to immediate NFL production, given the right landing spot.

2.07 – @EuanOrYouOut – Michael Carter

Carter had more scrimmage yards and catches than his teammate, Javonte Williams, over the last two seasons. I don’t think he’ll be available at this spot in any rookie draft once the real deal comes along in May.

2.08 – @BodaciousBeer –  Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth is the most complete tight end in this class. He will be able to start immediately for NFL teams and while it might be a couple of years before we see him as a factor for fantasy, he has the potential to be a stud.

2.09 – @benc1357 – Elijah Moore

In the later stages of rookie drafts I target wide receivers that produced at an early age in college, are leaving college early, and have the athleticism to force an opportunity at the next level.

2.10 – @fantasy_moore – Chuba Hubbard

Hubbard only played seven games last season, but he was viewed as a top-two running back in the class this time last year. Like his teammate Tylan Wallace many wondered why he returned to the Cowboys for the 2020 season, now a year later his stock has dropped.

2.11 – @TalksVitale – Trey Lance

A talented prospect quarterback to stash away on the taxi squad until he’s ready.

2.12 – @KitchenIsDads – Jaelon Darden

Do not overlook this “quick twitched” receiver coming out of the University of North Texas that makes a man miss like brushing his teeth in the morning. He ranked second in the nation in receiving touchdowns (19), third in receiving yards (1,190) and fourth in receptions (74) during the 2020 season

The post Pro Football Mania 2021 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.