The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off another deep playoff run and aiming for a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance. But after falling just short of a historic three-peat, cracks are beginning to show. The 2025 NFL Draft brought in promising names like first-round tackle Josh Simmons and defensive standouts Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte. Yet, some major long-term needs remain unresolved, and could haunt the team if not addressed soon.
With four months before the regular season, the Chiefs are betting big on player development, especially in three vulnerable spots: left guard, running back, and tight end.
Left guard: trust or gamble?
One of the most surprising post-draft revelations was Kansas City’s decision to stand pat at guard. With no additions at the position, the job seems to belong to Kingsley Suamataia, who enters his second year after an inconsistent rookie season that saw him benched more than once. By passing on guard prospects in the draft, the Chiefs are signaling confidence, or perhaps desperation. If Suamataia struggles again, they’ll be forced to reshuffle the offensive line for the second year in a row.
Running back: a room full of questions
Isaiah Pacheco has emerged as a fan favorite and reliable backfield weapon, but his contract is up at the end of the season. So are those of Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt. That leaves only Carson Steele and rookie Brashard Smith under contract beyond 2025. Even if Pacheco earns a new deal, the Chiefs will need a fresh face in the backfield sooner rather than later. Whether it’s in next year’s draft or via free agency, this position can’t be ignored much longer.
Tight end: preparing for life after Kelce
Thirteen seasons in, Travis Kelce remains a generational talent-but even legends retire. With no clear heir apparent, the Chiefs are hoping that Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, or undrafted rookie Jake Briningstool can eventually fill Kelce’s cleats. It’s a tall order, and one that could shape the identity of the offense for years to come.
The Chiefs aren’t in crisis mode, yet. But if they hope to stay at the top of the NFL mountain, they’ll need young talent to rise quickly and smart roster moves to patch what the draft didn’t fix. The margin for error is shrinking.
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