ESPN Draft Analyst Says Chiefs May Give Up No.9 Pick Amid Travis Kelce Successor Rumors

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The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough ending to their 2025 season, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017. This was a disappointing outcome for the team, especially after losing their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to an ACL injury. With their main playmaker on the sidelines, the Chiefs struggled and the wheels seemed to have fallen off the once dominant team. However, despite this setback, there is still hope for the future of the franchise.

The injury to Mahomes not only affected the team’s performance, but it also highlighted some crucial needs on their roster. The absence of their star player exposed the lack of depth and the need for players at important positions. This has brought up discussions among fans and experts about what changes the Chiefs should make in order to bounce back stronger next season.

One potential solution that has been suggested is for the Chiefs to trade their No.9 pick in the upcoming draft. ESPN Draft Analyst, Mel Kiper Jr., believes that the team should consider this option in order to address their needs and build for the future. This may come as a surprise to some, but it is a decision that could prove beneficial for the Chiefs in the long run.

One of the primary reasons for this proposed trade is the success of tight end Travis Kelce. The 35-year-old veteran has been a crucial part of the Chiefs offense for many years, but his age is starting to catch up to him. This has led to speculation about the team looking for his potential successor in the draft, and giving up their No.9 pick could help them acquire a young and promising player.

While this may seem like a difficult decision, it is important to remember that the Chiefs have a strong foundation in place. Despite missing the playoffs, they still have a talented roster with players like Tyreek Hill, Chris Jones, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. With the right moves and acquisitions, the Chiefs have the potential to bounce back and compete for a Super Bowl title in the near future.

Moreover, trading away their No.9 pick could also help the Chiefs address other needs on their roster. The team could use this opportunity to acquire players who can make an immediate impact and help them get back to their winning ways. This would also give them more flexibility in terms of salary cap and allow them to make moves in free agency to strengthen their team.

It is understandable that some fans may be hesitant about giving up a high draft pick, but it is important to trust in the decision-making of the Chiefs’ front office. General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid have proven to be successful in their roles and have a track record of making smart and strategic moves for the team. If they believe that trading away the No.9 pick is in the best interest of the team, then it is worth considering.

In addition, the Chiefs have shown that they are capable of finding talent in later rounds of the draft. Players like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Patrick Mahomes were not high draft picks, but they have become crucial pieces of the team’s success. This shows that it is not always about having a top pick, but rather making the right choices and developing players.

Furthermore, the NFL draft is known for its unpredictability. Even if the Chiefs were to keep their No.9 pick, there is no guarantee that the player they select will be a game-changer for the team. By giving up the pick, the Chiefs could potentially acquire a proven player who can contribute immediately, rather than taking a chance on a rookie.

In the end, the decision to trade away the No.9 pick is not an easy one, but it is a move that should be considered by the Chiefs. They have a strong team in place, but some changes and improvements are necessary to get back to the top. Giving up the pick could help them address their needs and continue to compete for championships in the future.

As fans, we must trust in the vision of the organization and have faith in their decision-making. The Chiefs may have had a disappointing end to their 2025 season, but it is important to remember that this is just a small setback in their journey. With a solid foundation and the potential to make smart moves in the offseason, the future is still bright for the Kansas City Chiefs. Let us continue to support our team and believe that they will come back stronger and better next season.

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