The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the Kansas City Chiefs have their sights set on filling a glaring need exposed during their Super Bowl LIX loss. After the defeat highlighted weaknesses they could no longer ignore, the Chiefs are reportedly adopting a strategy similar to their post-Super Bowl LVI loss rebuild.
Analysts expect head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach to replicate their 2022 approach. At that time, a struggling secondary was their Achilles’ heel, leading the team to draft Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie, who went on to become a cornerstone of their defense and a key contributor to two subsequent championships.
Following this successful playbook, NFL Draft Scout analyst Chad Reuter has outlined what Reid and Veach could do this weekend when the draft is held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Rumored trade-up scenario
The Chiefs currently hold the 31st pick in the first round, but Reuter predicts the front office will look to trade up, potentially with the Baltimore Ravens. The proposed trade would see Kansas City acquire the 27th and 59th overall picks from Baltimore, while the Ravens would receive the 31st and 63rd picks along with a third-rounder.
According to Reuter, Kansas City has identified the offensive line as its primary area of concern. With this in mind, he predicts the Chiefs will target Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery in the first round to provide better protection for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Once the offensive line issue is addressed, Reuter anticipates the Chiefs will pivot to their defense. He predicts they will select Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson, who tallied 116 tackles, 59 solo stops, 16 sacks, five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles during his three seasons with the Razorbacks.
What is Veach saying?
While Reuter’s mock draft addresses Kansas City’s most pressing needs, general manager Brett Veach has hinted at alternative plans. “We always want to surround Pat with playmakers,” Veach said recently. “The more talent at wideout you can throw on the field at once is something important to us.”
Could this signal a potential focus on wide receivers? It’s too soon to tell, particularly with other roster gaps to consider. Chiefs fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out, as the first round of the draft kicks off this Thursday, April 24.
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