The Chiefs offense would be stacked with the addition of so many weapons in this 7-round mock draft.
It's commonplace for analysts to positively grade a rookie class if a team is able to find two starters or a few contributors among the list of picks. With those results as the benchmark, it's easy to see why the Kansas City Chiefs' class of 2018 was so miserable (the Breeland Speaks class) and why the 2022 rookie crop was so loaded (the Trent McDuffie class).
The 2025 NFL Draft is coming into view and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is hoping for more stellar results in late April. Will the Chiefs come away with multiple starters? How about regular contributors?
In our latest 7-round mock for the Chiefs, it looks like Veach will be thrilled overall. The offense adds a lot of punch at several positions while Steve Spagnuolo adds two new anchors. We used the draft simulator over at Pro Football Focus for this seven-round mock. Let's take a look at the results that begin with a big trade down.
Round 1 (31st pick overall) - Trade down with New England Patriots
We began our mock draft with a day one letdown for Chiefs fans who will have watched the entire first round go by without a pick. However, their long-term excitement for the overall draft bounty should be more than enough compensation.
In this mock, the New England Patriots desired to move up at No. 31 overall to grab a top-shelf TE prospect for Drake Maye in Colston Loveland. In doing so, they surrendered their second-round pick at No. 38 along with their third-round choice at No. 77 for the Chiefs' first-round choice and fourth-round pick at No. 133. The Chiefs won't have a fifth-round option for their top rookie in this class, but the chance to grab another top 100 prospect is worth sliding down a bit.
Round 2 (38) - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Chiefs lost out on some good prospects at the end of round one, but they come away with another stellar corner addition to Steve Spagnulo's defense with their first draft pick. While the Chiefs have greater needs, the chance to add four years of Hairston's well-rounded skill set is a tremendous move for the team's long-term effectiveness in the secondary. Spags will love Hairston's aggression, blitzing ability, versatility, and elite speed (4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash).
Round 2 (63) - Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
One of the biggest needs coming into the draft is at running back for the Chiefs with no player signed beyond 2025 for the long-term and a present need for much more dynamism in the mix. While K.C. could have added a solid contributor in later rounds due to the depth of this rookie crop, Judkins is a splendid addition who will excite fans as the best RB prospect on the team since Kareem Hunt's rookie season. When has Andy Reid ever had a truly punishing rusher? He's got one now.
Round 3 (66) - Alfred Collins, DL, Texas
The Chiefs have to be thrilled that they could add the sort of prospect like Alfred Collins at this stage of the draft at such a position of need along the defensive line. Collins is a massive player at 332 pounds with NFL-ready strength and length and should immediately be the team's best run defender. Given the upside he has as a disruptor along the line, Spags is going to love this addition up front to pair with Hairston in the secondary.
Round 3 (77) - Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
While Judkins gives the Chiefs a bruising option in the run game, the selection of Jaylin Noel in the third round with the pick from New England provides a spark on offense and special teams. Separation has been a major issue for Chiefs receivers in recent years, but Noel would give the Chiefs another impressive young weapon to add to Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice to correct that concern. Noel's slot capabilities also give K.C. a safety net in case Rice's health is a concern or during his (likely) suspension. Throw in his plus value as a returner, and this is an easy pick.
Round 3 (95) - Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
The Chiefs use their final of five picks in the top 100 of this draft class to grab another long-term piece at tight end. Harold Fannin Jr. has stature/strength concerns, but he's got excellent hands and should be an instant asset in the passing game for the Chiefs. If Travis Kelce is on his farewell tour, the Chiefs would do well to move forward into 2026 and beyond with Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, and Fannin as the floor.
Round 7 (226) - Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
A former All-American linebacker, few prospects have had their stock fall in this draft class as much as Jamon Dumas-Johnson. Given that we're into the seventh round, it makes sense for the Chiefs to take a flyer on previous production (at Georgia and not Kentucky) and hope that JDJ can move past the injuries and inconsistency that's plagued him in recent years.
Round 7 (251) - Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
Jackson is never going to be mistaken as the Chiefs' next big thing in the secondary. But as one of the final picks in the draft class, Jackson is a fine addition to Dave Toub's options on special teams. His experiencen at a high-level program in Georgia will pay dividends, and his reputation for being a coaches' favorite with a strong work ethic will come in handy too. Consider this competition for Deon Bush as a fringe roster player.
Round 7 (257) - Roc Taylor, WR, Memphis
With the final pick in the draft, the Chiefs throw a dart at Roc Taylor's length and physical play with the hopes of unearthing a gem. The good news is that Taylor was quite productive at Memphis over the last two season with 2,033 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
