Chiefs first round predictions from KCSN analysts
Tyler Brown
It is finally here. After months and months of rumors, speculation and mock drafts, night one of the NFL Draft is upon us. The Kansas City Chiefs could trade up for a left tackle or wide receiver of the future, they could stay put and draft the best available on their board or they could trade back into the second round to acquire more picks if they do not have a prospect to their liking at pick 32.
The options are truly all over the map, which is why I wanted to round up the analysts and podcast hosts we have here at KC Sports Network. Not too many of them agreed on what the Chiefs will do, which goes to show you just how dramatic tonight could be for the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. Let’s check out what our personalities had to say.
Nate Taylor of the Athletic and Only Weird Games
Kingsley Suamataia, left tackle from BYU
My expectations, based on the value of the position, is that there will be a run on tackles in the first round, leading the Chiefs to make this trade. Despite the appeal of taking a receiver in the first round, the biggest hole on the Chiefs’ roster is that they don’t have a clear projected starter at left tackle, the player responsible for protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. At this point in the first round, Suamataia appears to be the best candidate to be a possible plug-and-play left tackle. He’ll compete against Wanya Morris, the team’s third-round pick from last year’s draft, for the starting role. By trading away the 95th pick to the Cowboys, the Chiefs can still target a quality receiver in the second round with the 64th pick.
Seth Keysor of the Chief in the North Newsletter and Only Weird Games
The best available left tackle or a trade-up for Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver from LSU
What I think they'll do: Stay put and draft a tackle, and we'll all be furious. I have zero reason for believing this other than it's not what I want.
What I wish they'd do: Trade up for Brian Thomas Jr, who is a step above everyone else in the "2nd tier" of WRs in a year of REALLY good 2nd tier WRs. Thomas is a guy who can walk onto the Chiefs roster and play 800 snaps tomorrow. He slides perfectly into the X role and would allow Hollywood Brown to roam while Thomas learns the finer points of NFL route running, and would give Mahomes his best pure deep threat since Hill left town.
Kent Swanson of the KC Laboratory
Ladd McConkey, wide receiver from Georgia
I've been a big McConkey guy for the entirety of the draft process. Before the Chiefs' playoffs even started, he was a guy I thought could help fix things in this offense that they were desperately craving throughout their struggles in 2023. McConkey is an excellent route runner who seems to process coverage well, make appropriate adjustments, and create separation. He has varying abilities at all three levels of the defense. He's a reliable playmaker. McConkey raises the floor of the Chiefs' offense and is capable of being a 1,000-yard receiver with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the football.
Ryan Hall of the Amateur Hour Podcast
Darius Robinson, defensive end from Missouri
I’m sure they’d prefer to trade up or down the board, but the Chiefs are likely looking at an identical situation to the 2023 draft. If he’s again forced to pick at 32, I predict that Veach will select another local defensive lineman – Darius Robinson out of Mizzou. KC could use some pop in the rotation (especially with the Omenihu injury), and this versatile big fella was born to play for Steve Spagnuolo. In addition to his on-field strengths, Robinson’s character and leadership were a major part of the Tigers’ team culture.
Craig Stout of the KC Laboratory
Trade up for Olumuyiwa Fashanu, left tackle from Penn State
The Chiefs desperately need to figure out their left tackle situation moving forward, and after several attempts to solve it via free agency/trade, they make a big move up for one of the top OTs in the draft. Fashanu could be a faller in this year's OT class - as he's not the best run blocker - but his technique, movement, size, and pass protection will certainly push him up the Chiefs' board. A trade-up into the late teens or early 20's for a falling set-it-and-forget-it offensive tackle absolutely screams "Brett Veach" in this year's draft.
His Dirkness of the Amateur Hour Podcast
Ladd McConkey, wide receiver from Georgia
The parallels are really stacking up, folks – Legendary coach. Quarterback that bleats. Mega-star Tight End. Nobody Believes In Us mantra. Refs on the payroll. But there's one thing missing - the scrappy, high motor, gritty, sneaky athletic, fundamentally sound, high IQ slot receiver! Can McConkey be our Daweslian Edelkerdola? Our Juwesny Amelkerman? Or just a dude who can consistently beat man coverage on 3rd and 4 would be great.
Tucker Franklin of KC Sports Network
Trade up for Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver from LSU or Ladd McConkey, wide receiver from Georgia
When it comes to the draft, I think it’s best to treat round one like you treat Christmas for your kids: every year you get a new toy. So every year the NFL holds a draft, the Chiefs should get Patrick Mahomes a new toy. There have been recent indications Veach and Co. want to be aggressive to try and address one of the biggest concerns the team has. With the receiver group having high-quality talent early in the round, there could be quick runs on talent. If the Chiefs were to be aggressive and trade up, I’d love to see KC end up with Brian Thomas Jr. If no other team wants to do business with the back-to-back Super Bowl champs, I want to see Ladd McConkey on the roster for years to come.
Tyler Brown of KC Sports Network
Kingsley Suamataia, left tackle from BYU
I just do not think Andy Reid is going to be able to help himself when it comes to a high-end talent from BYU who can anchor the Chiefs offensive line for years to come. He has the size, measurables and nimble feet that Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck covet. The hand placement, technique and footwork can all be coached up. Veach will surely try to trade up for more of a sure thing at left tackle or wide receiver, but ultimately the price will be too high. I think the other option at 32 will be Ladd McConkey or Troy Franklin due to Brian Thomas Jr, Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and the top three all being taken by pick 32. If they cannot find a trade-back partner, Suamataia seems like a prudent choice. If high-end defensive talents such as Cooper DeJean or Johnny Newton fall, that would not shock me either.
