Solid Starter
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma – Round 2 
The Chiefs needed to reconfigure their offensive line in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they got it started by trading their first-round pick to move down into the second round with the Baltimore Ravens while adding veteran offensive tackle Orlando Brown. Kansas City continued the renovation by taking Humphrey in the second round, and he looks like a good fit for Andy Reid’s offense.
In pass protection, Humphrey (6-5, 312) shows the ability to anchor, and he can hold his ground against bull rushes from heavy defensive tackles. He won’t be a liability taking on 3-4 defenses with good zero-technique nose tackles who aim to collapse the pocket. Humphrey can sink his hips and is strong at holding his ground. Executing double teams with his guards is not an issue either, and Humphrey should be a helpful blocker to execute double teams on problematic interior linemen.
Humphrey is also a strong run blocker at the point of attack. He can control and manipulate defenders while showing good technique to hit combo blocks or get to the second level. Humphrey will not be overwhelming as an interior run blocker, however.
Given the state of the Chiefs’ depth chart, Humphrey looks like he should be a stater in the near future. Veteran Austin Blythe is more of a backup-caliber player, so as soon as his rookie season, Humphrey could be snapping the ball to star quarterback Pat Mahomes II. As he gains experience, Humphrey looks like a safe pick to evolve into being a solid starter for Kansas City.
2020: Willie Gay Jr., LB
2019: Khalen Saunders, DT
2018: Derrick Nnadi, DT
2017: Kareem Hunt, RB
2016: Chris Jones, DT
2015: Mitch Morse, G
2014: Philip Gaines, CB
2013: Eric Fisher, OT
Most Likely To Bust
Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida State – Round 4 
This was a tough selection with no first-round or third-round pick, but fourth-round pick Joshua Kaindoh looks like it could be disappointing selection. Kaindoh did not impress for Florida State last year and never lived up to the hype or expectations with the Seminoles. As a freshman he flashed some, but was disappointing as a sophomore, injured as a junior, and did not play well as a senior. It wouldn’t be surprising if he has a hard time making the team or sticking in the NFL. However as a fourth-round pick the expectations are that he would be a backup so that is not really a huge bust.
2020: Lucas Niang, OT
2019: Mecole Hardman, WR
2018: Dorian O’Daniel, LB
2017: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE
2016: KeiVarae Russell, CB
2015: Chris Conley, WR
2014: Dee Ford, OLB
2013: Knile Davis, RB
Potential Boom Pick
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri – Round 2 
The Chiefs needed linebacker help and landing Bolton in the second round was a solid selection. While Bolton may not have a great skill set, he is highly instinctive, which is critical for a linebacker in the NFL.
Bolton really stands out as a run defender in the tackle box. He is instinctual with quick diagnosis skills and a sharpened ability to read-and-react. Bolton will aggressively attack downhill and work his way through trash to make tackles. He stays around the ball and is a hard-hitting physical presence who reliably limits the other team’s rushing offense. For the NFL, Bolton will need some work in pass coverage, but that can be improved and developed by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Veteran Anthony Hitchens is a journeyman, and Bolton could replace him in the near future. At the very least, Bolton looks like a safe bet to be a solid starter, but with his instincts, toughness, and potential to overachieve, he might have boom pick potential for Kansas City.
2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
2019: Juan Thornhill, S
2018: Breeland Speaks, DT
2017: Pat Mahomes, QB
2016: Demarcus Robinson, WR
2015: Marcus Peters, CB
2014: De’Anthony Thomas, RB
2013: Travis Kelce, TE
Future Depth Player
Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson – Round 5 
Powell had gone under the radar at Clemson thanks to a loaded wide receiver corps that featured the likes of Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and Amari Rodgers, but in 2020, Powell stepped up and was a good contributor for the Tigers. He had 53 catches for 882 yards and seven touchdowns while providing some huge plays. Powell has a tough build and is super competitive. While he may not have the size or speed to become a starter in the NFL, it would not be surprising if he competes his way into being a solid backup and special teams contributor.
2020: L’Jarius Snead, DB
2019: Darwin Thompson, RB
2018: Amrani Watts, S
2017: Jehu Chesson, WR
2016: Eric Murray, CB
2015: Steven Nelson, CB
2014: Aaron Murray, QB
2013: Sanders Commings, CB
Walt’s 2021 NFL Draft Grades:
58. Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri – B Grade
Nick Bolton is an instinctive linebacker, but has some limitations in coverage. Still, this is a fine pick, as I’ve had Bolton slated around this area for most of the pre-draft process. He could fill a huge need in Kansas City’s poor linebacking corps.
63. Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma – A Grade
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, yet he couldn’t win behind his dreadful offensive line last year. The Chiefs needed to make wholesale changes up front. They added talent at tackle and guard, but center remained a weakness – until now. I had Creed Humphrey a bit earlier than this spot, so I love this pick.
144. Josh Kaindoh, DE, Florida State – A- Grade
Andy Reid loves bolstering the trenches, and this is the third time he’s doing that in this draft if Orlando Brown is included. Josh Kaindoh provides nice value, as I had him slotted 20 picks earlier. He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s raw, but he could develop into a dynamic player.
162. Noah Gray, TE, Duke – C- Grade
Andy Reid drafted a tight end. You don’t say!? The Chiefs love running mult-tight end formations, so this pick makes sense. That said, I’m not sure why the Chiefs traded up for Noah Gray. Were there teams dying to pick Gray? I doubt it, so why did the Chiefs squander a resource for him?
181. Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson – B Grade
The Chiefs lost Sammy Watkins in free agency, so they’ll need a receiver to compete with the disappointing Mecole Hardman. Cornell Powell is someone who bounced around Day 3 of my mock draft updates, so the value is fine.
226. Trey Smith, OT/G, Tennessee – A+ Grade
This is the steal of the draft. I don’t know if Trey Smith will be able to play much in the NFL, but if he does, he could be an All-Pro. If Trey Smith didn’t have injury concerns, he would’ve been a top-10 pick in this draft. Unfortunately, major injuries derailed his career. However, there’s always a chance he could recover, so I like the Chiefs shooting for the stars with this selection.
2021 NFL Draft Team Grade: A. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
Kansas City Chiefs Season Preview
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
