The concept of an immediate draft class "grade" is somewhat of an oxymoron, as the true evaluation will take place over the course of the 2024 campaign and beyond, but for what it's worth, the various experts from around the web were impressed with what the Kansas City Chiefs did last weekend.
For one thing, according to the draft board compiled by The Athletic's Dane Brugler, the Chiefs – despite only possessing two top-100 selections – acquired four of the top 100 players in this year's class between wide receiver Xavier Worthy, offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia, tight end Jared Wiley and safety Jaden Hicks.
Elsewhere, when using the board assembled by NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, the Chiefs tallied five selections who ranked in his top 130 players in Worthy, Suamataia, Wiley, Hicks and center Hunter Nourzad. Again, the Chiefs possessed just two picks in the top 130, but appeared to have made out with some considerable value.
As for some post-draft "grades," here's a quick roundup of what some pundits thought of the Chiefs' class:
"If you're wondering how the Chiefs stay on top, just look at this draft haul."
"GM Brett Veach went on a heater with this draft class."
"The Chiefs splurged on Day 1 by trading up for the fastest man in NFL Combine history, then spent the rest of the draft scooping up value prospects."
"Heck of a draft for the back-to-back defending champs."
"Boasting an elite defense, the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs entered this draft season needing to get more help for Patrick Mahomes on the offensive side of the ball…They did so in a big way."
"…Jaden Hicks might end up being the best overall pick and is ideal for Steve Spagnuolo's defense."
"Protecting Patrick Mahomes is a top priority, and Kingsley Suamataia can help that cause."
"TCU's Jared Wiley was a great get at the end of Round 4. He has the speed and after-the-catch ability to give the Chiefs another explosive option at tight end behind Travis Kelce."
"Xavier Worthy became a household name at the combine because he broke the record for fastest 40-yard dash, but he has some nuance as a route runner and isn't just a deep threat. In fact, the comp I used in my Big Board was to Hollywood Brown, who will be his new teammate. Mahomes now has two electrifying playmakers at his disposal."
