The Kansas City Chiefs’ prestigious position, can trace its origins back to what initially seemed like a minor draft trade blunder by the Denver Broncos in 2016, characterized by remarkable success and championship victories. The Kansas City Chiefs, much like the iconic New England Patriots before them, have cemented their status as the NFL’s reigning dynasty.
A Twist of Fate by Denver Broncos: The 2016 Draft Trade
In a twist that would shape the future of two NFL franchises, the Denver Broncos inadvertently laid the groundwork for a dynasty not their own. During the 2016 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos made a move to acquire quarterback Paxton Lynch, a decision that seemingly triggered a chain reaction with far-reaching consequences. As noted by NFL analyst Ari Meirov on Twitter, this move by the Denver Broncos was crucial, though its significance was only understood in retrospect.
While the Kansas City Chiefs had shown interest in Lynch, their inability to secure him due to a lost draft pick— a penalty for tampering in free agency—led them to alter their strategy. This alteration was not seen as monumental at the time, but it laid the foundational stones for their future success.
Denver Broncos: The Unintended Consequences
This shift in strategy led the Chiefs to trade back from the No. 28 spot in the first round to the No. 37 in the second round of the 2016 draft, where they selected defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones would prove to be a pivotal player in the Chiefs’ lineup, showcasing the serendipitous nature of draft-day decisions.
The following year, the storyline continued to unfold in Kansas City’s favor. The Chiefs, still in need of a quarterback, executed a trade for the No. 10 pick in the 2017 draft from the Buffalo Bills. With this pick, they selected Patrick Mahomes. If the Chicago Bears had not passed on Mahomes earlier in the draft, opting instead for Mitch Trubisky, the Chiefs might not have had the opportunity to select Mahomes, who has since evolved into a cornerstone of their franchise.
𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝟯 | 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝟳𝟲 | 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒔
With the 76th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select, Jonah Ellis, OLB from Utah.
Thoughts on this one #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/M0NaBgOtLy
— Broncos Europe (@BroncosEUR) April 27, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Triumphant Trio
Mahomes, along with Chris Jones and star tight end Travis Kelce, has led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories, creating a triumvirate of talent that dominates the NFL landscape. Mahomes, in particular, has distinguished himself as a transformative figure in football. His accolades include three Super Bowl wins, six Pro Bowl selections, two MVP titles, and three Super Bowl MVP awards, underscoring his critical role in the Chiefs’ success.
The Ripple Effect
The scenario begs the question of what might have been had the Chiefs successfully traded for Lynch instead. Could another team have risen to dynasty status in the void left by the Patriots? It’s a fascinating “what if” that highlights the unpredictable and often dramatic nature of NFL drafts.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ rise to dynasty status is a compelling tale of unexpected twists and the unforeseen impact of decisions made under pressure by the Denver Broncos. This narrative not only entertains but also serves as a reminder of the thin margins between loss and legendary triumph in professional sports. As the Chiefs continue to build their legacy, they owe a nod to the draft day drama that, through a series of serendipitous events, enabled them to ascend to the pinnacle of NFL success.
Source: Fansided
