The Kansas City Chiefs added six players over the weekend through the 2021 NFL Draft, bolstering both sides of the ball with versatile, energetic and dynamic talent. The experts from around the web were impressed, too, as the consensus agreed that Kansas City put together a strong class in terms of both ability and value.
Here are some quick facts and notes about each of the Chiefs' selections.
1. Linebacker Nick Bolton was a tackling machine at the University of Missouri.
Bolton was an absolute star in the middle of Mizzou's defense over the last two seasons, racking up the most defensive stops of any linebacker in SEC play in both 2019 and 2020. In total, he tallied 202 tackles during his final two years in school and averaged more than nine per game.
Those numbers are the result of a certain mindset that Bolton brings to every single snap – something the folks at Pro Football Focus summed up nicely in their Draft Guide:
"He's a tone-setter in every sense of the word. Bolton wants to send a message to every player he comes in contact with."
2. Bolton's attitude on the field mirrors the kind of man he is away from it.
As impressive as Bolton was on the field for the Tigers, the strength and resiliency he's shown in his personal life is even more impactful. He's served as a steady force of positivity and courage for both his sister and mother as each battled cancer in recent years.
The video below is certainly worth your time.
For more on Bolton, click here.
3. Center Creed Humphrey didn't allow a sack in 2,488 career snaps at Oklahoma.
Humphrey was on the field a bunch for the Sooners - recording more than 400 pass-blocking snaps in each of his three seasons on campus – and didn't allow a single sack during his career. In fact, Humphrey yielded just two quarterback hits (neither of which occurred in 2020) and 26 total hurries while in Norman.
4. Humphrey is a former wrestler, and he utilizes that background on the field.
A big man at six-foot-five, 320-pounds, Humphrey was a standout wrestler all the way through high school and credits his experience on the mat with developing how he uses his body on the football field.
Check out this interview and play breakdown with former Chiefs' offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz for more on Humphrey's technique and background.
For even more on Humphrey, click here.
5. Defensive End Joshua Kaindoh is as athletic as they come.
A former five-star recruit, Kaindoh possesses some truly incredible athleticism to go along with his six-foot-six, 260-pound frame. In fact, the advanced metrics identified Kaindoh as one of the most athletic defensive end prospects to enter the draft since 1987.
For more on Kaindoh, click here.
6. Tight end Noah Gray is versatile and sure-handed.
Gray lined up at a variety of spots last season at Duke, recording snaps in the slot (237), in-line (139) and in the backfield (120).
He's also as sure-handed as they come. According to Pro Football Focus, Gray dropped just three passes out of 107 catchable targets during his career.
For more on Gray, click here.
7. Wide receiver Cornell Powell was a big-play machine for Clemson last season.
Powell hauled in four catches of at least 50 yards in 2020, catching at least one 20-yard pass in seven of his final eight games. His 362 "deep yards" – or receptions of 20+ yards – ranked 23rd in the nation, per Pro Football Focus.
Powell lined up wide (as opposed to in the slot) on 93.2% of passing snaps in 2020 and excelled in that role, bringing in seven contested catches that were thrown at least 10 yards downfield.
8. The growth Powell demonstrated during his career left an impact on the Clemson coaches.
Powell was part of a loaded group of wide receivers at Clemson throughout his five years on campus, and when finally given an opportunity to fully demonstrate his abilities, the six-foot-tall, 210-pound Powell thrived.
It was the journey to this past season, however, that impressed Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Here's what he had to say about Powell after learning that his former wide receiver was headed to Kansas City:
"The Chiefs are getting a young man of commitment and perseverance, a young man that has finally put it all together and is just hungry to go continue what he finished his career with last year. There is a drive and hunger to him that I think is special. It is fun to see a guy that finally puts it all together, whether it be overcoming injuries, opportunity, or the technical aspect of the game. He did that…The light has come on bright for him. There is a hunger, and again, there is a spirit of confidence to him that I think will separate him on this next step."
For more on Powell, click here.
9. Offensive guard Trey Smith may just end up being the absolute steal of the draft.
A year after many of the experts pegged offensive tackle Lucas Niang – who opted out of his rookie season but is set to debut in 2021 - as one of the steals of the 2020 Draft, the Chiefs may have found another one in Smith.
A former five-star recruit and an All-American, Smith yielded just one sack, four hits and 12 hurries over the course of his final two years at the University of Tennessee (754 pass-blocking snaps).
Additionally, much like the Chiefs' other moves up front this offseason, Smith is a big man (six-foot-five, 321 pounds) who possesses the versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line.
10. Smith has been recognized for his phenomenal leadership, too.
Smith was the recipient of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the Fritz Pollard Trophy in 2019, both of which honor those who exemplify exceptional courage and sportsmanship.
Here's what Witten, one of the top tight ends in NFL history, had to say about Smith:
"He is a truly impressive young man, who is everything you want in a college football player. He has overcome a lot of adversity to become a true leader on his team, on campus and in the community. He is the perfect example of someone who has devoted himself to becoming the very best person he can be, despite going through great personal struggles."
For more on Smith, click here.
Smith rounded out a draft class rife with character, talent and versatility, bolstering the Chiefs' roster for yet another run at the Super Bowl.
