The Kansas City Chiefs are already turning the page on their Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles a few months ago, setting their sights on the 2025 NFL Draft as the key to reloading for next season. Even after a crushing loss that exposed some cracks in their roster, the Chiefs remain a powerhouse, having tied the Detroit Lions for the league’s best record with 15 wins, an all-time franchise high. But with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce posting their lowest statistical output to date, it’s clear the offense needs a spark and more Mahomes better protection.
The dynamic duo still powered Kansas City to another deep playoff run, but the pursuit of a fourth straight Super Bowl trip-and their sixth in seven years-hinges on injecting new talent. Historically, the Chiefs have excelled at doing just that, using the draft to bolster their roster with game-changers, and this year looks to be no different as they gear up for April 24 at Lambeau Field.
Chiefs Actively Pursuing a First-Round Trade-Up
Rumors are swirling that the Chiefs are “actively” exploring options to move up in the draft order in the first round, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller. The primary target? A long-term solution at offensive tackle, a glaring need after their offensive line faltered against the Eagles in February. Miller suggests Kansas City wants to jump ahead of teams like the Houston Texans (25th pick) and Los Angeles Rams (26th) to grab a prized left tackle before he’s off the board.
One name floating around is Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, a standout prospect despite a knee injury last season, who could solidify Mahomes’ blind side for years to come. Trading up isn’t a foreign concept to the Chiefs’ front office-they pulled it off in 2017 to draft Mahomes, again in 2022 for Trent McDuffie, and just last year to land Xavier Worthy. With Mahomes steering the ship to perennial success, the team hasn’t sniffed a top-20 pick since 2017, making these bold moves a cornerstone of their strategy.
The catch, though, is that this year’s draft class might not make it easy. Miller warns that the pool of elite prospects at high-value positions is thinner than usual, meaning the Chiefs could pay a steep price to move up without guaranteed value. Their offseason has been quiet so far, aside from adding left tackle Jaylon Moore, suggesting they’re banking on the draft to make waves. With all 32 teams holding a first-round pick this year, a rare occurrence in the modern NFL, the draft board could get wild, adding another layer of intrigue to Kansas City’s plans.
A Proven Formula and a Bright Future
General manager Brett Veach has built a reputation for draft-day wizardry, consistently finding ways to keep the Chiefs competitive even as their draft position slides lower each year. The offensive line remains a focal point after its Super Bowl struggles, and while Moore’s signing offers a Band-Aid, a blue-chip tackle could be the long-term answer.
Whether it’s Simmons or another prospect, the Chiefs’ track record suggests they’ll find a way to make it work. As the draft approaches, fans are buzzing about what this move could mean for a team already on the cusp of a dynasty. A successful trade could cement Kansas City’s status as a perennial contender and keep their championship window wide open for years to come.
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