The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL in recent years. They were the Super Bowl runners up just one season ago, but things took a drastic turn in the 2020 season. The Chiefs fell off the map, going from a perennial Super Bowl contender to picking ninth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. It was a shocking downfall for a team that had been so successful. However, the Chiefs have made some strategic moves this offseason to turn things around and get back on top. With a loaded draft capital, the Chiefs are set to fill every major need and bounce back stronger than ever.
The Chiefs had a relatively quiet offseason in terms of free agency signings, but they made some significant moves to improve their roster. The most notable addition was offensive lineman Joe Thuney, who they signed to a massive five-year, $80 million deal. Thuney is a versatile and reliable player, and his presence will undoubtedly strengthen the Chiefs’ offensive line. The team also brought in newly acquired quarterback Kyle Long and wide receiver Josh Gordon, adding depth to their already explosive offense.
But the biggest move the Chiefs made this offseason was acquiring draft capital. They traded away their first-round pick in the 2021 draft to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. While losing their first-round pick may seem like a significant loss, the Chiefs had their sights set on Brown, who will be a crucial piece in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs also traded for defensive end Alex Okafor and received additional draft picks in the process, giving them a total of eight picks in this year’s draft.
With the ninth overall pick, the Chiefs have a chance to add a game-changing player to their roster. In this 7-round mock draft, the Chiefs select Makai Lemon, an explosive linebacker from Clemson. Lemon has all the tools to be an impact player in the NFL, and his speed and versatility would make him an excellent fit for the Chiefs’ defense. With his selection, the Chiefs address one of their biggest needs and add a dynamic player to their already talented defense.
In the second round, the Chiefs add depth to their offensive line with the selection of Creed Humphrey, a versatile and powerful interior lineman from Oklahoma. Humphrey’s addition will provide much-needed depth and competition along the offensive line, ensuring the Chiefs are well-equipped to protect their franchise quarterback.
The third round brings another exciting addition to the Chiefs’ offense with wide receiver Rondale Moore from Purdue. Moore is a speedy and elusive receiver who can stretch the field and provide Mahomes with another weapon in the passing game. With the departure of Sammy Watkins, the Chiefs needed to add another receiver to their already impressive group, and Moore fits the bill perfectly.
In the fourth round, the Chiefs address their need for a pass rusher with the selection of Shaka Toney from Penn State. Toney is a disruptive force on the defensive line and has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Chiefs’ defense. He will provide depth and competition in the pass rush rotation and add some much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Chiefs continue to strengthen their defense in the fifth round with the selection of cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. from Oregon. Graham is a physical and athletic corner who has the potential to develop into a starter in the NFL. He will provide depth and competition in the secondary, and his addition will only make the Chiefs’ defense more formidable.
The sixth round brings another talented receiver to the Chiefs’ offense with the selection of Marquez Stevenson from Houston. Stevenson is a playmaker with excellent speed and hands, and his addition will give the Chiefs’ offense even more depth and versatility. He will also provide an immediate impact on special teams, serving as a return specialist.
In the seventh round, the Chiefs address their need for a running back with the selection of Khalil Herbert from Virginia Tech. Herbert is a powerful and elusive runner who can also contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. With the uncertain future of starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Herbert will provide depth and competition in the backfield.
In this 7-round mock draft, the Chiefs have addressed every major need and added talented players to their roster. They have strengthened their offensive line, added depth at wide receiver, pass rusher, and cornerback, and even added a potential starter at linebacker. With these additions, the Chiefs are set to bounce back from