The Kansas City Chiefs, who are the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions, experienced a disappointing end to their 2024 season with a tough loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. The Eagles outperformed the Chiefs in the trenches, highlighting the team’s weaknesses. Despite having star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs struggled due to an overwhelmed offensive line and skill positions.
Moving into the 2025 season, the Chiefs are facing financial constraints, ranking 24th in the league in terms of cap space with several players becoming free agents. Notably, guard Trey Smith is expected to receive a lucrative contract from another team, while players like linebacker Nick Bolton, safety Justin Reid, and edge rusher Charles Omenihu might explore other opportunities this offseason.
In order to remain competitive in the AFC, the Chiefs will need to continue their successful strategy of drafting and developing homegrown talent, particularly on defense. Although projected to have a limited number of draft picks in 2025, the Chiefs possess five selections in the first four rounds, giving them the flexibility to potentially trade down and acquire more picks later in the draft.
Here is a preview of the Chiefs’ potential draft picks from Tankathon:
**Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock draft**
*Projected compensatory picks are marked with an asterisk.*
**Round 1, No. 31 overall:** Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
With Mahomes facing pressure in the Super Bowl, strengthening the offensive line is crucial for the Chiefs. Donovan Jackson, a versatile prospect who transitioned from guard to tackle, could provide valuable flexibility based on the team’s needs.
**Round 2, No. 63 overall:** Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Mason Taylor, a standout tight end from LSU, offers the Chiefs a potential successor to veteran Travis Kelce. Known for his physicality and reliable hands, Taylor’s skill set aligns well with the NFL level.
**Round 3, No. 66 overall:** Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
To bolster their cornerback group, the Chiefs may consider selecting Quincy Riley, a talented athlete with strong coverage skills. Despite potential concerns about his height, Riley’s athleticism and ball-hawking abilities make him a promising addition to the team.
By making strategic draft picks and addressing key areas of improvement, the Chiefs aim to strengthen their roster and sustain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
He possesses the necessary tools to continue advancing in the appropriate setting. In the third round, with the 95th overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs select Dylan Sampson, a running back from Tennessee. This year’s draft showcases an exceptional group of running backs, and in a typical draft, Sampson would have been chosen much earlier. However, due to the depth at the position, he remains available and could prove to be a valuable addition to the Chiefs’ offense.
Sampson’s agility in open-field situations and impressive speed make him a contrasting option to Isiah Pacheco’s physical running style. While he is a reliable pass protector, there is room for growth in his receiving skills. Given the Chiefs’ offensive system, Sampson may have the opportunity to refine this aspect of his game.
Moving on to the fourth round, with the 132nd overall pick, the Chiefs opt for Danny Stutsman, a linebacker from Oklahoma. With Bolton entering free agency, Stutsman could potentially step in to fill the void left by Bolton or Leo Chenal, who is also approaching free agency. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 243 pounds, Stutsman excels in delivering powerful tackles and is particularly effective against the run, similar to Bolton’s style.
In the seventh round, with the 256th overall pick, the Chiefs select Tyler Cooper, an interior offensive lineman from Minnesota. Cooper becomes the final addition to the Chiefs’ draft class, chosen for his consistent performance and reliable skill set. Despite his imposing 6-foot-5, 305-pound frame, Cooper lacks the agility that would have propelled him to an earlier selection. However, he is proficient in pass protection and will contribute to the development of the Chiefs’ offensive line.
This prediction of the Chiefs’ seven-round mock draft was first featured on USA TODAY, showcasing selections focusing on offensive line and tight end positions.
