The dynasty is over. The Kansas City Chiefs, as we've known them for much of the past decade, are done.
Maybe that iteration of the Chiefs is done, but the new version might be even better — provided Patrick Mahomes comes back from his torn ACL as the same superstar.
The reason is simple: The Chiefs just crushed the NFL Draft. In doing so, they earned the only A+ grade I am giving out. Let's just say I loved their draft.
The Chiefs had to get better on defense. If Mahomes is banged up early and can't be the same Mahomes right out of the gate, the defense and the running game have to be good. They signed running back Kenneth Walker as a free agent to help the run game and then loaded up on defense in the draft.
With their first three picks, they landed the best cover corner in the draft in Mansoor Delane, a power defensive tackle in Peter Woods, a player I loved, and the captain of my "Better-Than Team" in Oklahoma edge R.Mason Thomas.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has to be one happy man. He is one of the best coordinators in the league, and getting these three guys will enhance his ability to call a defense. When Mahomes is Mahomes again is still up in the air, but the new-look defense can carry them early this season if he isn't quite all the way back. Then, look out.
The Chiefs dynasty is done? Maybe that old version. But 2.0 is going to push for Super Bowls once again, thanks to a great draft, the best of any team this year.
Best Pick: Fourth-round defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor from Southeastern Louisiana is an undersized inside player, but he can move. He impressed against LSU last year and should be a nice rotational piece inside.
Worst Pick: Jeremiyah Love is a good player. Maybe even special. But the value of taking a running back third overall must be questioned. The cost is high, and the careers are usually shorter.
The Skinny: Aside from taking a running back too high — which is always my philosophy — they delivered a nice draft. Getting guard Chase Bisontis in the second, quarterback Carson Beck in the third and Proctor in the fourth were nice choices to go with Love.
Best Pick: Third-round receiver Zachariah Branch can flat out fly. He isn't a big receiver, but he will give the offense some real juice in the passing game. He can also help in the return game.
Worst Pick: Depending on legal issues, it could be the trade they made with this year's first-round pick to get back into the first round last year to take James Pearce. He's a good player, but he has some legal problems to work through.
The Skinny: Without a first-round pick, it's hard to be excited. But taking Avieon Terrell in the second and Branch in the third gives them two players I liked.
Best Pick: It was their first one, Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. He was the best offensive lineman in this class. Landing him at 14 will prove to be a major steal.
Worst Pick: I didn't love the pick of USC receiver Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round. There were better options out there.
The Skinny: Vega will be a clear hit, but the rest of the draft comes with questions. They'd better hope second-round edge Zion Young can contribute right away.
Best Pick: Fourth-round receiver Skyler Bell isn't a big receiver, but he can gets separation and should push for time as a rookie. He did have some trouble with drops, but he's a good player.
Worst Pick: This is based on personal preference, but I would have taken R.Mason Thomas over T.J. Parker., who the Bills took in the second. He fits better in my book.
The Skinny: The Bills traded down a few times — out of the first even — and added extra picks. I like the strategy. Taking Parker fills a pass-rushing need, and second-round corner Davison Igbinosun won't start right away, but he eventually will. Bell was a good pick.
Best Pick: Fifth-round safety Zakee Wheatley was a ball hawk at Penn State who showed up a lot on tape. He isn't a big guy, but he will come up and tackle, too.