Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft: Offense, Offense, Offense
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Kansas City Chiefs are currently slated to make the final pick of the first round on Thursday, April 25. Will the Chiefs trade up, trade back, or stay put? No one except those inside the Chiefs organization knows what they are cooking up and how their draft strategies will play out, but it’s fun to take a look at how things could go when the draft finally arrives.
Using NFL Mock Draft Database, I went through a full seven-round mock draft. Here’s my take on what the Chiefs could do if the draft plays out how it went through this simulation. Each pick comes with an excellent Relative Athletic Score (RAS), which wasn’t in the initial plans, but ended up being the case. (Click a player's name to open his RAS score in a new tab.)
Round 1, Pick 32: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Even before Rashee Rice's offseason created questions about his future, wide receiver was still a need for the Chiefs, even after picking up Hollywood Brown in free agency. In this mock draft simulation, both Texas wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy were available at the end of the first round, which made this a tough decision. I ended up taking Mitchell, who looks to be the more complete receiver. He has all of the tools you want to see in a first-round receiver: speed, size, great hands, contested catch ability, and sound route-running technique. Mitchell would be an incredible option for Mahomes to work with over the next five years on a rookie deal. If Mitchell is still there at the end of the first round, the Chiefs would be foolish to pass on him.
Round 2, Pick 64: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Back-to-back offensive weapons from Texas? Yes, please. While there was logic to take a cornerback, pass-rusher or offensive lineman here, the prospect of getting another offensive weapon for Mahomes was too much to pass up here at the end of the second round. Ja'Tavion Sanders has a high ceiling as a pass-catcher but needs some work with his blocking technique. To give you an idea of his game, he’s drawn some comparisons to Cleveland Browns tight end David N'Joku. Having Travis Kelce and Sanders in double-TE sets would be a thrilling sight to see for Chiefs fans and the team wouldn’t be in the wrong for picking back-to-back receiving weapons from Texas for Mahomes and the offense to work with.
Round 3, Pick 95: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
Dominick Puni can play anywhere on the offensive line and proved he could do it at a high level during the past two seasons at the University of Kansas. He started at left guard in 2022 for the Jayhawks before moving to starting left tackle in 2023. Puni is the type of offensive lineman the Chiefs love, and they could get the most out of him over his rookie deal with some offensive line questions looming in 2024 and beyond.
Round 4, Pick 131: Mekhi Wingo, DL, LSU
Mekhi Wingo is one of the more athletic defensive linemen in the draft, but he is on the smaller end for a defensive tackle. He could move inside and outside and would be a nice rotational player for the defense while he learns and grows in the NFL.
Round 5, Pick 159: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Will Shipley would be an incredible pick in the fifth round. He’s very good as a runner and pass-catcher, and he can be a tantalizing return specialist as well. Shipley would be a perfect compliment to Isiah Pacheco and could fulfill the role Jerrick McKinnon has played the last couple of seasons as the change-of-pace running back.
Round 5, Pick 173: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
Jarrian Jones is an average-sized prospect (6-foot-0, 190 pounds), but his speed and athletic testing make him a very enticing project. His 40 time was under 4.4 and he can play inside as a nickel or outside in man. He has the tools to work with, but he will need some refining to play consistently at the next level. This is a perfect spot for the Chiefs to take a cornerback that can work into the rotation over time.
Round 7, Pick 221: Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Mississippi
The Chiefs would be taking a flyer on Cedric Johnson as a pass-rusher who has some upside. He has some nice pass-rush moves that could make him useful at the next level. Getting him into a room with guys like Chris Jones, Mike Danna, George Karlaftis and the top-tier coaches on the Chiefs' defensive staff would make this a great fit for Johnson.