The Kansas City Chiefs have a league minimum of 5 NFL draft picks. This means barring a trade they will have less chances to impact their roster for the future. They need to hit on these picks to help both today and in the future. In my 1st Mock Draft we will be going off what we know and that is that the Chiefs have a pick in rounds 1-5. There will not be any trades in this mock however I am aware that this is a real possibility to happen come draft night. This was created by using the hand dandy Mock Draft Generator at TheDraftNetwork.com with a mixture of who the Chiefs have interviewed.
- Round 1: 32 – Noah Igbinoghene (CB) Auburn
- After a run on CBs just before this pick, Igbinoghene is one of the top CBs left. Though he is still new to the position he plays feisty and competes every play. He is a solid tackler and smooth athlete with some playmaking abilities from his time as a receiver. With the Chiefs returning most of their starters from the Super Bowl, this allows him to play whenever the coaching staff needs. He can come in and compete for the #3 CB spot on the roster with Ward and Breeland ahead. He has the traits, mindset, and abilities to develop into a true #1 corner.
- Other options considered: AJ Epenesa, Trevon Diggs, AJ Terrell
- Round 2: 63 – Julian Okwara (EDGE) Notre Dame
- He is an uber athlete coming off the edge at Notre Dame. Freaky athlete with good strength that will fall down boards due to injury. Assuming medicals check out on his leg this would be a great addition to the defensive line that Spags loves to have loaded. With the line play being the strength of the defense, this will allow him to come along as his injury allows without needing to be rushed back. The time off will allow him to work on diversifying his pass rush skill set to pair with that athleticism and bend. Can help free up any unwanted contracts in the coming season on the D-Line if he impresses enough.
- Other options considered: Jaylon Johnson, Curtis Weaver, Malik Harrison
- Round 3: 96 – Willie Gay Jr. (LB) Mississippi State
- I would be surprised if Gay lasts this long on day 2 of the draft. He plays extremely aggressive and could learn to play with it controlled or it can cost the team. Had academic misconduct for cheating on a paper and other off field issues but the Chiefs love taking chances on guys like this. He is athletic and a hard hitting backer that can come in and immediately contribute on all 3 downs. Adds much needed speed and athleticism to the LB unit. If this pick hits it could be the steal of the draft.
- Other options considered: Anthony Gibson, Chase Claypool, Amik Robertson
- Round 4: 138 – John Simpson (IOL) Clemson
- This would fill out the missing pieces on the interior for the Chiefs. This would add a very strong and stout run blocker who can improve in pass protection technique. Can immediately come in and start at either Guard position. Has experience against top level D-Line play in college without much bad play on tape. Not as mobile as Andy Reid likes in his offensive linemen but the power that can be worked with to help protect Mahomes in the 4th is too good to pass up.
- Other options considered: Michael Pittman Jr., Logan Wilson, Tyler Johnson
- Round 5: 177 – Devin Duvernay (WR) Texas
- Let’s add to the already ridiculously fast WR group in KC. He boasts a 4.38 40-yard dash time and would be the 3rd or 4th fastest receiver on the Chiefs. Duvernay can come in and compete for special teams reps while mostly sitting back waiting for opportunities to present itself throughout the season. Can sit behind the current starters to develop routes and his releases as he did not face too much press in the Big 12 conference last season. Can add depth for the future of a group signed mostly to 1 year deals.
- Other options considered: AJ Green, Carter Couglin, Tyler Clark
In this first mock I was able to get the Chiefs players at positions of need while not sacrificing any picks to reach for them. While managing to fill in some of the smaller holes I did not sacrifice ready contributors for those with high floors and low potential. I went with players who have physical traits, athleticism, and that dog in them to play football. The overall theme is getting players who can contribute in limited roles as they get acclimated to life in the NFL. Then the next years to come, these young players can step into larger roles as contracts come up. With every Super Bowl team you can’t keep everyone forever, so get the players you want that can add to your championship foundation for years to come.
