Chiefs 2021 draft picks: Grades, analysis and Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey scouting reports

May 11, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2021 NFL Draft with two second-round picks and six selections overall in the seven-round draft.

Even before the draft, the Chiefs made a bold move to acquire left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster trade. In exchange for Brown, the Chiefs sent the Ravens a package of draft picks, including the 31st pick, a third-rounder (No. 94) and fourth-rounder (No. 136) in this draft and a 2022 fifth-round pick. The Ravens completed the deal by sending the Chiefs a 2021 second-round pick (No. 58) and a 2022 sixth-round pick.

After sitting out Round 1 of NFL Draft, Chiefs feel they’re in a ‘good spot’ for Day 2 https://t.co/QqCxy8vXQw

— The Athletic Kansas City (@TheAthleticKC) April 30, 2021

The Chiefs turned to their defense for their first pick (at No. 58), selecting Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton. Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey followed at pick No. 63.

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Meet the Chiefs’ draft selections …

ROUND 2

No. 58 (from Baltimore): Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Nate Taylor’s analysis: The Chiefs have wanted to add another speedy, athletic linebacker to pair with second-year linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who the Chiefs selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. With this pick, the Chiefs get really nice value in acquiring Bolton, who some analysts felt could’ve been selected toward the end of the first round. The Chiefs spent much of last season relying on the strong secondary, and it’s easy to see why general manager Brett Veach, coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wanted to add Bolton to be in the middle of the field and make more highlight plays for a unit that seeks steady improvement.

David Ubben on what the Chiefs are getting: The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker was a three-star recruit who grew into one of the SEC’s best linebackers and most reliable players throughout his time with the Tigers. Missouri linebackers coach D.J. Smith compared him to Bobby Wagner, Devon White, Fred Warner, Lavonte David or Mychal Kendricks. Wherever the ball is, Bolton probably isn’t far away.

Dane Brugler’s analysis: The Chiefs are keeping Bolton in the state of Missouri, and he provides an immediate upgrade at linebacker for Kansas City. Can he be consistent in coverage? That’s the main question. But he is a hammer looking for a nail in the run game with his play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.

Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C+. Bolton (5-foot-11, 237 pounds) was a terrific college player, but there are legitimate questions about how Bolton’s game will translate to the next level. He offers a high floor, but does Bolton have the size and athleticism necessary to keep up with NFL running backs and tight ends in coverage? Given that the Chiefs didn’t have a first-round pick, it’s fair to wonder whether it makes sense for them to use this pick on an off-ball linebacker..

No. 63: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

Nate Taylor’s analysis: When looking at this draft class in a couple years, Humphrey might well be the Chiefs’ best selection by a wide margin. Humphrey (6-foot-4, 302 pounds) can fill one of the smaller holes on the Chiefs’ offensive line. Similar to Lucas Niang, the Chiefs’ rookie right tackle, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack in his 37 career college starts, earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior. In my mind, Humphrey was the best center available on the board, and the Chiefs didn’t waste any time selecting him to ensure superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is protected throughout the prime of his career. This upcoming season, Humphrey will compete against six-year veteran Austin Blythe for the starting role. If Blythe wins the job in training camp, Humphrey can develop behind the scenes before taking over that spot on the offensive line in 2022.

Jason Kersey on what the Chiefs are getting: Humphrey plays with outstanding strength and smarts, which allows him to out-physical his opponent, as his wrestling background and mentality translate to the field. He doesn’t always show the power to be a people-mover in the run game, but he finds a way to get the job done and tested above average in every category at his pro day. Overall, he projects as an NFL starting center with guard potential.

Dane Brugler’s analysis: My top-ranked center, Humphrey announced himself as a future early-round draft pick as a redshirt freshman at Oklahoma. A former high school wrestler, he has outstanding balance, toughness and smarts and showed his versatility to play center and guard. Think the Chiefs were affected by the lack of offensive line depth in the Super Bowl?

Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+. In 37 starts at center, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack and gave up just two quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Durable and tough, Humphrey is one of the top center prospects in this class and could have the versatility to play guard. The theme of the Chiefs’ offseason has been rebuilding their offensive line and adding depth. Adding Humphrey here makes sense.

Chiefs find talent, value and durability in drafting Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey https://t.co/GEonu32ITa

— The Athletic Kansas City (@TheAthleticKC) May 1, 2021

ROUND 4

No. 144 (compensatory): Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida State

Nate Taylor’s analysis: With the 144th pick, the Chiefs selected Kaindoh, a developmental defensive end, to finish the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Kaindoh is a pass rusher who appears to be an ascending prospect, perhaps someone who becomes a reliable contributor in 2022. This is somewhat of a gamble pick for the Chiefs. Kaindoh didn’t record a sack last season, but he had three tackles for loss and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

Dane Brugler’s analysis: : A one-year starter at Florida State, Kaindoh was the field defensive end in defensive coordinator Adam Fuller’s four-man front, standing up and rushing with his hand on the ground. He arrived in Tallahassee as a five-star recruit with lofty expectations and he struggled to match the hype (8.0 career sacks), primarily due to several injury issues. … Overall, Kaindoh is a toolsy prospect with his length, body control and hand strength, but he needs to stay healthy and play with better efficiency to unlock his pass rush potential. He projects as a developmental 4-3 end prospect.

ROUND 5

No. 162 (from NY Jets via Miami and Las Vegas): Noah Gray, TE, Duke

Nate Taylor’s analysis: After trading with the New York Jets to get into the fifth round, the Chiefs selected Noah Gray, a solid tight end who was a team captain at Duke. He was the 17th-ranked tight end in the draft class, according to Brugler. Gray is a smooth route runner in the middle of the field, has strong hands and is a willing blocker. Last season, Gray recorded 29 receptions for 285 yards and two touchdowns.

Dane Brugler’s analysis: A two-year starter at Duke, Gray was the F tight end in head coach David Cutcliffe’s pro-style offense, lining up mostly in the backfield and slot. He is Duke’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end (105), although he padded the stat sheet with a lot of underneath, quick-game routes (digs, outs, curls, etc.). … Overall, Gray is more of a large-framed receiver than traditional tight end and his “tweener” traits will make him role-dependent, but his athletic ball skills and toughness are NFL-quality. He projects best as a hybrid H-back.

No. 181 (compensatory): Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson

Nate Taylor’s analysis: In the past two seasons, Powell recorded a combined 1,004 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Powell was the 22nd-ranked receiver in the draft class, according to Brugler. With quality production in college, Powell projects to be a rotational player on offense who can contribute on special teams.

Dane Brugler’s analysis: A one-year starter at Clemson, Powell emerged as a starting outside receiver as a senior in offensive coordinator Tony Elliott’s shotgun spread scheme. Over his first four years on campus, he found himself buried on the depth chart (behind future NFL receivers like Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Deon Cain, Tee Higgins and others), but he matured as a senior (Dabo Swinney: “Cornell’s worked his tail off and grown up”) and had a breakout season in 2020, joining Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins as the only players in school history with 150-plus receiving yards in back-to-back games. … Overall, Powell isn’t an explosive route runner, but he is a top-flight competitor with balanced athleticism and plus ball skills to make in-air adjustments look routine. He projects as a potential Mohamed Sanu-like weapon.

ROUND 6

No. 226 (from NY Jets via Carolina): Trey Smith, G, Tennessee

Nate Taylor’s analysis: The Chiefs’ selection of Smith was one of the biggest surprises in the sixth round. Smith is one of the most talented guards in the draft class, as he was the ninth-ranked prospect at his position, according to Brugler. While playing multiple positions on Tennessee’s offensive line, Smith surrendered just one sack the past two seasons. The issue is that Smith missed the final five games of the 2018 season because of blood clots in his lungs; his medical evaluation is likely the reason he fell to the sixth round.

David Ubben on what the Chiefs are getting: Smith became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for Tennessee in more than three decades, but doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs following the 2017 season. He followed a specialized plan from doctors to get back on the field, though a mistaken reappearance ended his 2018 season midway through the year. He played through the 2019 season and elected to return as a senior for 2020. … Throughout his time in Rocky Top, Smith was a physical and emotional leader for the Vols’ offensive line, growing into one of its most consistent performers and a mentor for his talented younger teammates.

Scouts’ takes from Bob McGinn: “If he can overcome the blood-clot issue, you’ve got yourself a starting right guard who can play on a Pro Bowl level,” said one scout. “The toughness he played with reminded me of Kelechi Osemele. He’s not as long as Kelechi, but that size, that violence and that power reminded me of him.”

Dane Brugler’s analysis: Smith looks the part with excellent base strength and shock absorbers for hands, allowing him to win in a phone booth. However, for a player with his raw power, you expect more displacement, body control and point-of-attack movement than what he put on tape as a senior, too often falling off blocks or simply getting in the way. Overall, Smith has the size and talent to start in the NFL, but the sloppy tendencies and streaky aggressiveness are red flags, and there are potential lung-related health concerns. He projects as a high-risk/high-reward potential starter in a power-based scheme.

(Photo: Wesley Hitt / Getty Images)

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