The Chiefs should draft Jonathan Taylor and never punt again

The Kansas City Chiefs are drafting 32nd-overall because they’re champions with few weaknesses. However, they could upgrade at running back and never punt.

Patrick Mahomes under center. Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins split out wide. Travis Kelce and Mecole Hardman in the slot. Jonathan Taylor in the backfield.

This could be the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.

Yes, there’s a strong argument to be made for general manager Brett Veach to shore up the interior of his offensive line. There’s an equally strong argument to nab a cornerback in the first round, especially if Bashaud Breeland ends his free agency by signing elsewhere. Heck, the Chiefs could certainly use a linebacker like Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen to cover tight ends and backs.

However, none of those things would be more enjoyable than Veach giving Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid another weapon to work with.

While Damien Williams is the starter and a quality player, he’s signed for one more season. Behind him, the depth is shaky. Assuming Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor is available when Kansas City comes on the clock with the first round’s final pick, he should be strongly considered.

In Madison, Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards on 6.7 yards per carry over three years. For those not doing the math, he averaged more than 2,000 rushing yards per season, and had a pair of 2,000-yard campaigns to close out his Badgers career. As a junior in 2019, Taylor also showed the ability to catch the football, notching 26 receptions.

All told, he accounted for 55 touchdowns, 50 coming on the ground throughout his collegiate days.

Adding the 5-foot-10, 226-pound back to Kansas City’s attack would be obscene for opposing defensive coordinators to contend with. Despite his considerable bulk, Taylor ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, displaying a combination of power and speed rarely seen.

Although the Chiefs had more team success in 2019 than the prior season, there’s no denying the offense missed the talents of Kareem Hunt after his release in Nov. 2018. Hunt was especially valuable in gaining yards after contact and in the passing game.

Giving Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy the chance to mold and further Taylor’s talents would be a wise bet. No defense will focus on him, having to contend with Hill, Kelce and Mahomes. Taylor would see light boxes every week, giving him a major advantage most backs don’t enjoy.

There’s an old saying in the NFL that you build upon your strengths. Adding Taylor to Kansas City’s supersonic offense would certainly be following the credo.