2019 NFL Mock Draft: Odell Beckham trade throws first round into chaos

The Chiefs have begun overhauling their defense this offseason in anticipation of their switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base defense. That led to them releasing Justin Houston and trading Dee Ford – the team’s two best pass rushers – as they look to field a more competent defense to go alongside their explosive offense.

Led by league-MVP Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City finished first in DVOA last season, and came up just short of the Super Bowl with an overtime loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. They would seemingly have a huge window with Mahomes’ youth, but you always want to capitalize in the NFL as quickly as you can because you never know when those opportunities are going to arise again in this league.

Finding a pass rusher who fits their new 4-3 scheme is the team’s top draft priority, but it would be a reach to take that player with this pick. I assume they will explore trade down scenarios, or just fill that void later in the draft.

If they stand pat, selecting the top defensive player on the board makes sense. Here that very well could be Georgia’s DeAndre Baker. He might be a step below Greedy Williams and Byron Murphy, but he’s still a very talented cover corner who could develop into a Pro Bowl player at the position in a few years. He would also fill a big need in Kansas City as the Chiefs look to improve from ranking 31st in the NFL in pass defense a year ago.

They could also be tempted by Alabama’s Mack Wilson as finding an impact player at middle linebacker would go a long way in improving the Chiefs’ defensive issues.