The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With a number of highly-touted prospects expected to be available, teams will be looking to add some serious talent to their rosters. One team that could be in a good position to make a splash in the draft is the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off a disappointing playoff exit, the Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address with their draft picks.
One of the most important positions that the Chiefs could target in the draft is quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he is entering his 10th season and the Chiefs need to start thinking about the future. There are a number of talented quarterbacks who could be available in the draft this year, including Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. Any of these quarterbacks would be a great addition to the Chiefs offense and could help them remain a contender for years to come.
In addition to quarterback, the Chiefs could also look to add some help on the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs defense has been a liability in recent years, and they need to find some players who can make a difference. One area that the Chiefs could target is cornerback. The Chiefs have a number of solid cornerbacks, but they could use an upgrade at the position. There are a number of talented cornerbacks who could be available in the draft this year, including Joey Porter Jr., Kelvin Banks, and Domani Jackson. Any of these cornerbacks would be a great addition to the Chiefs defense and could help them improve their pass defense.
Chiefs’ Draft Needs Heading into 2025
Quarterback
The biggest question mark hanging over the Chiefs’ future is at the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes is entering the final year of his contract, and the team needs to decide whether to extend him, sign a different veteran, or draft his replacement. If Mahomes leaves, the Chiefs will likely look to draft a quarterback early in the 2025 draft. Some potential candidates include C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Cade Klubnik.
Mahomes has been one of the most prolific passers in the NFL since entering the league in 2017. He has led the Chiefs to three AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl victory. However, he has also been criticized for his tendency to take risks and make turnovers. In 2022, he threw for 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns, but he also had 13 interceptions. His completion percentage of 67.1% was the lowest of his career.
The Chiefs have a few options if Mahomes leaves. They could sign a veteran quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo or Jacoby Brissett. They could also draft a quarterback early in the 2025 draft. Some potential candidates include C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Cade Klubnik.
Potential Quarterback Targets
| Player | College | Position |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | Ohio State | QB |
| Bryce Young | Alabama | QB |
| Cade Klubnik | Clemson | QB |
Projected Draft Range for Chiefs
1. Early Rounds (Picks 1-10)
With their current record and remaining schedule, the Chiefs are projected to finish the season with 6-10 wins. This would likely land them a draft pick in the bottom half of the top 10. This range could provide them with an opportunity to select a top-tier prospect at a key position of need, such as a pass rusher, cornerback, or wide receiver.
2. Middle Rounds (Picks 11-32)
If the Chiefs finish with a slightly better record, between 7-9 wins, they could slide down to the middle rounds of the draft. This range offers a wider selection of talented players, but it also increases the likelihood of missing out on the most elite prospects. However, the Chiefs have a solid track record of finding valuable contributors in this range, such as Tyrann Mathieu and Mecole Hardman.
The Chiefs have a particular need for depth and versatility in their secondary. With several key players set to become free agents, they could use their middle-round picks to add talented young cornerbacks and safeties who can compete for starting roles or provide valuable depth.
| Round | Potential Picks |
|---|---|
| 2 | Martin Emerson Jr. (CB, Mississippi State) |
| 3 | Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina) |
| 4 | Jalen Catalon (S, Arkansas) |
3. Late Rounds (Picks 33-256)
With six picks in the late rounds, the Chiefs will have the opportunity to add depth and potential hidden gems to their roster. This range is where teams often find players who might not have the highest ceilings but can provide valuable contributions in specific roles. The Chiefs could use their late-round picks to target players with special teams ability, untapped potential, or unique traits that fit their scheme.
Potential First-Round Targets for Kansas City
Offensive Tackle
The Chiefs could target an offensive tackle in the first round to bolster their protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Some potential targets include:
– Devon Witherspoon, Illinois: A physical and athletic cornerback with good size and instincts.
– Julius Brents, Kansas State: A long and athletic cornerback with impressive ball skills and recovery speed.
– Cam Smith, South Carolina: A physical and aggressive cornerback with good tackling ability and coverage skills.
Wide Receiver
Adding a wide receiver could be a priority for the Chiefs, especially if JuJu Smith-Schuster or Mecole Hardman depart in free agency. Some potential targets include:
– Quentin Johnston, TCU: A massive and athletic receiver with impressive leaping ability and a big catch radius.
– Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee: A speedy and explosive receiver with great route-running skills and the ability to make contested catches.
– Jordan Addison, USC: A polished and productive receiver with good hands, quickness, and the ability to create separation.
Interior Offensive Line
The Chiefs could look to upgrade their interior offensive line, especially if Trey Smith or Orlando Brown Jr. depart in free agency. Some potential targets include:
– Peter Skoronoski, Northwestern: A powerful and athletic guard with good size and mauling ability in the run game.
– Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan: A First-Team All-American center with excellent size and strength, making him a dominant force in the run game.
– Gervon Dexter, Florida: A massive and athletic defensive tackle with good strength and quickness, making him a disruptive force in both run and pass defense.
– Bryan Bresee, Clemson: A highly-touted defensive tackle with good size, strength, and athleticism, making him a potential force in both run and pass defense.
– Jalen Carter, Georgia: A dominant and versatile defensive tackle with good size, strength, and athleticism, making him a potential game-changer in the trenches.
| Guard | Center |
|---|---|
| Peter Skoronoski | Olusegun Oluwatimi |
| Defensive Tackle |
|---|
| Gervon Dexter |
| Bryan Bresee |
| Jalen Carter |
Value Picks in Rounds 2 and 3
With a solid foundation built in the first round, the Chiefs will look to add depth and versatility to their roster in the second and third rounds. Here are a few prospects who could provide excellent value at these positions:
Round 2
Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame: Foskey is an explosive pass rusher with impressive athleticism. His quick first step and relentless motor could make him a disruptive force off the edge for the Chiefs.
Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina: Rush is a physical cornerback with good size and tackling ability. His instincts and ball skills make him a potential playmaker for the Chiefs’ secondary.
Round 3
Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: Levis is a strong-armed quarterback with a high upside. Despite some inconsistencies in his play, his athleticism and leadership potential could make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs as a developmental prospect.
Evan Hull, Running Back, Northwestern: Hull is a versatile running back with excellent vision and agility. His ability to create yards after contact and contribute in the passing game would give the Chiefs another weapon in their backfield.
Cooper Beebe, Tight End, Kansas: Beebe is a reliable receiving threat at tight end. His good hands and ability to separate from defenders could make him a dependable target for the Chiefs’ offense.
Sleeper Prospect to Watch for Chiefs
With the Chiefs looking to make a deep playoff run in 2025, they will need to add some talented players to their roster. While they will certainly have some high-profile draft picks, they should also look for some sleeper prospects who could make a big impact.
5. Jaylon Jones, Cornerback, Texas A&M
Jones is a 6’2″, 190-pound cornerback from Texas A&M. He is a long and athletic player with good speed and instincts. In 2022, he had 4 interceptions and 8 pass breakups. Jones is a bit of a raw prospect, but he has the potential to be a very good cornerback in the NFL. He has good size and length, and he is a willing tackler. Jones could be a valuable addition to the Chiefs’ secondary, and he could develop into a starter in the next few years.
Here is a table with more information on Jones:
| Name | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| Jaylon Jones | Cornerback | Texas A&M |
| Height | Weight | 40-yard dash |
| 6’2″ | 190 lbs | 4.4 seconds |
Offensive Line Reinforcements
With Orlando Brown Jr. now playing for the Bengals, the Chiefs need to bolster their offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In the 2025 Draft, several highly regarded offensive linemen could be available to the Chiefs.
Guard: Evan Hull
Hull, a standout from Northwestern, is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle. He has excellent athleticism and agility, making him a good fit for the Chiefs’ high-octane offense.
Tackle: Broderick Jones
Jones, a 6’4″, 325-pound tackle from Georgia, is one of the top prospects in the draft at his position. He is a physical specimen with a strong frame and exceptional run-blocking ability.
Tackle: Kelvin Banks
Banks, a 6’5″, 315-pound tackle from Texas, is another highly rated prospect who could be a steal in the draft. He has the size, athleticism, and technique to be a starting tackle in the NFL.
Guard: Domani Jackson
Jackson, a 6’4″, 325-pound guard from USC, is a road-grading lineman who excels at creating running lanes. He is a strong run-blocker with excellent technique.
Center: Barion Brown
Brown, a 6’3″, 305-pound center from Kentucky, is a smart and athletic lineman who can call the protections for the quarterback. He has quick feet and good balance, making him a good fit for a pass-heavy offense like the Chiefs’.
Other Options
In addition to these five prospects, the Chiefs may also consider drafting:
| Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| Darius Rush | Tackle | South Carolina |
| Blake Freeland | Guard | BYU |
| AJ Swann | Center | Vanderbilt |
Defensive Backfield Depth
The Chiefs have a lot of young talent in their defensive backfield. They drafted safety Juan Thornhill in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has shown a lot of potential in his first two seasons. They also drafted cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has quickly become a key contributor on the Chiefs’ defense.
Cornerback Depth
The Chiefs have a lot of depth at cornerback. They have four players who have started at least 10 games in their careers in Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton, and Mike Hughes. They also have some young players who are pushing for playing time, such as DeAndre Baker and BoPete Keyes.
Safety Depth
The Chiefs have less depth at safety than they do at cornerback. They have two starters in Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill, but they don’t have much depth behind them. They signed veteran safety Dan Sorensen in the offseason, but he is more of a special teams player than a starting caliber safety.
| Player | Games Started |
|---|---|
| Charvarius Ward | 42 |
| L’Jarius Sneed | 29 |
| Rashad Fenton | 20 |
| Mike Hughes | 18 |
| Juan Thornhill | 27 |
| Tyrann Mathieu | 37 |
| Dan Sorensen | 55 |
Finding a Pass-Rushing Specialist
The Chiefs’ defense ranked 25th in sacks per game last season, and they need to find a pass-rushing specialist to help generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. There are a few potential targets in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There are several players who could fill this role for the Chiefs in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at some of the top prospects:
Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
White is a 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive end who had 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2024. He’s a long, athletic pass rusher with a quick first step and good instincts. White could be a day-one starter for the Chiefs.
Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas
Stewart is a 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive end who had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2024. He’s a smaller pass rusher, but he’s quick and explosive off the line of scrimmage. Stewart could be a good fit as a situational pass rusher in the Chiefs’ defense.
Joshua Josephs, DE, Alabama
Josephs is a 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end who had 9 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024. He’s a versatile pass rusher who can line up at defensive end or outside linebacker. Josephs could be a valuable piece of the Chiefs’ pass rush.
Here is a table summarizing the key stats of these three prospects:
| Prospect | Sacks | Tackles for Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Keion White | 12 | 18 |
| Shemar Stewart | 10 | 15 |
| Joshua Josephs | 9 | 12 |
Addressing the Interior of the Defensive Line
The Chiefs’ defensive line has been a strength in recent years, but they could use some upgrades on the interior. They have a few young players who have shown promise, but they need to add some more depth and experience.
Free Agents
The Chiefs have a few free agents on the defensive line, including Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi. Jones is a Pro Bowler and one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Nnadi is a solid run-stopper who can also generate some pass rush.
Draft Prospects
The Chiefs could address their need for interior defensive linemen in the draft. There are a few players who could be available when they pick at No. 31 overall, including:
- Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
- Jordan Davis, Georgia
- Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma
- Travis Jones, Connecticut
- Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
No. 9 Overall: Jalen Carter, Georgia
Carter is the best defensive lineman in the draft and would be a great addition to the Chiefs’ defense. He is a powerful run-stopper who can also generate a pass rush. He had 7.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in 2022.
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Carter | Defensive Tackle | Georgia |
| Devonte Wyatt | Defensive Tackle | Georgia |
| Jordan Davis | Defensive Tackle | Georgia |
| Perrion Winfrey | Defensive Tackle | Oklahoma |
| Travis Jones | Defensive Tackle | Connecticut |
| Phidarian Mathis | Defensive Tackle | Alabama |
Chiefs’ Draft Strategy for Future Success:
1. Draft for Need
The Chiefs will prioritize addressing their biggest needs in the draft, which include cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver.
2. Trade Up for Top Prospects
If the Chiefs identify a player they believe can make a significant impact, they will not hesitate to trade up in the draft to acquire them.
3. Value Character and Leadership
The Chiefs believe in drafting players with strong character and leadership qualities who fit well within the team’s culture.
4. Build a Robust Pipeline
The Chiefs will aim to acquire additional draft picks through trades and free agency to build a robust pipeline of young talent.
5. Focus on Positional Versatility
The Chiefs will seek players who can play multiple positions and offer flexibility to their schemes.
6. Prioritize Athleticism and Versatility
The Chiefs will draft players with exceptional athleticism and versatility who can make an impact in multiple phases of the game.
7. Acquire Experienced Veterans
The Chiefs will supplement their draft picks with experienced veterans through free agency to provide a balance of youth and experience.
10. Identify and Develop Future Stars
The Chiefs will invest in scouting and player development to identify and nurture young players with the potential to become future stars.
| Round | Position | Player | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornerback | Christian Gonzalez | Oregon |
| 2 | Offensive Line | Will Mallory | Miami (FL) |
| 3 | Wide Receiver | Josh Downs | North Carolina |
11. Build a Sustainable Roster
The Chiefs will draft players who can contribute immediately and have the potential to sustain success over multiple seasons.
12. Promote a Positive Team Culture
The Chiefs will prioritize drafting players who share their values and contribute to a positive and supportive team culture.
2025 Chiefs Draft Picks: A Position-by-Position Projection
With the 2025 NFL Draft still a few years away, it’s too early to make any definitive predictions about who the Kansas City Chiefs will select. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the team’s current roster and needs.
Here’s a position-by-position projection of the Chiefs’ 2025 draft picks:
- Quarterback: The Chiefs are set at quarterback with Patrick Mahomes under contract through 2032. They are not expected to select a quarterback in the early rounds of the draft.
- Running back: The Chiefs have a solid running back tandem in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon. However, they could look to add depth to the position in the middle rounds of the draft.
- Wide receiver: The Chiefs have a young and talented group of wide receivers, led by Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman. They could look to add a veteran receiver in free agency but are unlikely to select one in the early rounds of the draft.
- Tight end: The Chiefs have a reliable tight end in Travis Kelce, but he is entering the twilight of his career. They could look to draft a tight end in the middle rounds to eventually replace Kelce.
- Offensive line: The Chiefs have a solid offensive line, but they could look to add depth and competition to the unit in the late rounds of the draft.
- Defensive line: The Chiefs have a young and talented defensive line, led by Chris Jones and Frank Clark. They could look to add a pass-rusher in the middle rounds of the draft.
- Linebacker: The Chiefs have a solid linebacking corps, led by Willie Gay and Anthony Hitchens. However, they could look to add depth to the position in the late rounds of the draft.
- Cornerback: The Chiefs have a talented group of cornerbacks, led by L’Jarius Sneed and Rashad Fenton. However, they could look to add a playmaker in the middle rounds of the draft.
- Safety: The Chiefs have a solid safety tandem in Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill. However, they could look to add depth to the position in the late rounds of the draft.
People Also Ask About 2025 Chiefs Draft Picks
When do the Chiefs pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Chiefs’ exact draft position in 2025 will depend on their record in the 2024 season. However, they are projected to have a high draft pick based on their current roster and salary cap situation.
Who are some potential draft targets for the Chiefs in 2025?
Some potential draft targets for the Chiefs in 2025 include:
- Running back: Evan Hull (Northwestern), Donovan Green (Texas A&M), Marshawn Lloyd (USC)
- Tight end: Jake Witt (Ohio State), Josh Conerly (Oregon), David Bailey (Stanford)
- Defensive line: Shemar Stewart (Texas), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), Kelvin Banks (Texas)
- Linebacker: Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama), Harold Perkins (LSU), Sonny Styles (Ohio State)
- Cornerback: Domani Jackson (Southern Cal), Kelvin Banks (Texas), AJ Terrell (Clemson)
- Safety: Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M), Jaheim Oatis (Alabama), Nick Singleton (Penn State)
What are the Chiefs’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Chiefs’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft are:
- Running back: The Chiefs’ running back tandem of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon is solid, but they could use some more depth and competition at the position.
- Tight end: Travis Kelce is entering the twilight of his career, so the Chiefs will need to start thinking about replacing him in the next few years.
- Pass-rusher: The Chiefs have a solid defensive line, but they could use another pass-rusher to help them get to the quarterback.
- Cornerback: The Chiefs have a talented group of cornerbacks, but they could use another playmaker to add to the mix.
- Safety: The Chiefs have a solid safety tandem, but they could use some more depth at the position.
