For those with ESPN Insider access, analyst Todd McShay has a 2016 first-round mock posted. In it, the Chiefs have a 9-7 record, make the playoffs and have the 24h pick in the first round.
McShay gives them an inside linebacker, Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame.
Since the first-round pick in each of John Dorsey’s three drafts as general manager of the Chiefs has been a player at a so-called premium position, I’d be surprised if the Chiefs selected Smith or any inside linebacker in the first round. Dorsey’s philosophy seems to be to draft players at the difference-making positions. His first three first-round picks were a left tackle (Eric Fisher), a pass rusher (Dee Ford) and a cornerback (Marcus Peters).
It’s way too early to say what positions would make sense for the Chiefs, but the Chiefs might need to be in the running back market. McShay has a couple of runners bring drafted in the first round next year: Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott at No. 15 to the Houston Texans and Alabama’s Derrick Henry at No. 29 to the Miami Dolphins.