Welcome to the ultimate insider's guide to the Chiefs mock drafts! With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, it's time to dive into the world of speculation and predictions. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore 15 Chiefs mock drafts, analyzing the potential picks, strategies, and the impact they could have on the team's future. Get ready to become an expert on the Chiefs' draft strategy and uncover the gems that could shape their roster.
Understanding the Chiefs’ Draft Needs
Before we dive into the mock drafts, let’s assess the Chiefs’ current roster and identify their key areas of need. The team has a solid foundation, but there are a few positions that require attention to maintain their competitiveness in the AFC West.
Here are the primary positions the Chiefs are likely targeting in the upcoming draft:
- Offensive Line: Despite the presence of stalwarts like Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, the Chiefs could use some depth and talent infusion along the offensive line. With the potential retirement of Mitchell Schwartz, the need for a capable replacement becomes even more crucial.
- Cornerback: The departure of Bashaud Breeland leaves a void in the secondary. The Chiefs need a talented cornerback to step up and provide depth alongside the established stars like Charvarius Ward and L'Jarius Sneed.
- Edge Rusher: While the Chiefs have a solid pass-rushing duo in Chris Jones and Frank Clark, adding another edge rusher with high upside could elevate their already formidable defense.
- Wide Receiver: With the potential retirement of Sammy Watkins, the Chiefs might look to add a talented wideout to complement Tyreek Hill and provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with another reliable target.
Now, let's take a look at 15 mock drafts and analyze the potential picks that could address these needs and strengthen the Chiefs' roster.
Mock Draft 1: The Offensive Line Upgrade
In this mock draft, the Chiefs address their offensive line concerns by selecting Penei Sewell, an elite offensive tackle prospect from Oregon. Sewell’s combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him an ideal fit to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. With Sewell anchoring the left tackle position, the Chiefs would have a dominant force on the offensive line, ensuring Mahomes has the time to make his magic happen.
Potential Impact: A healthy and solid offensive line will not only protect Mahomes but also open up lanes for the running game, providing a balanced offensive attack.
Mock Draft 2: Cornerback Reinforcements
With the second overall pick, the Chiefs decide to bolster their secondary by selecting Patrick Surtain II, a talented cornerback from Alabama. Surtain’s size, speed, and coverage skills make him an ideal fit in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. His ability to match up against top receivers and provide a physical presence in the backfield would be a welcome addition.
Potential Impact: Surtain's presence would create a formidable cornerback duo alongside Charvarius Ward, solidifying the Chiefs' secondary and improving their pass defense.
Mock Draft 3: Edge Rusher Extravaganza
In this mock draft, the Chiefs go all-in on their pass-rushing unit by selecting Jaelan Phillips, a high-upside edge rusher from Miami. Phillips’ explosive athleticism and pass-rushing prowess could create a dynamic duo alongside Chris Jones. With Phillips applying pressure from the edge, the Chiefs’ defense would become even more formidable.
Potential Impact: Phillips' addition would increase the Chiefs' pass-rushing productivity, creating more opportunities for turnovers and putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Mock Draft 4: Wide Receiver Wonderland
With the retirement of Sammy Watkins a possibility, the Chiefs address their wide receiver corps by selecting Jaylen Waddle, a speedy and dynamic receiver from Alabama. Waddle’s ability to create separation and his elusiveness after the catch would be a perfect complement to Tyreek Hill’s speed. Waddle’s presence would give Patrick Mahomes another reliable target to exploit defenses.
Potential Impact: Waddle's addition would create a dynamic and versatile wide receiver duo, providing Mahomes with diverse options and keeping defenses guessing.
Mock Draft 5: The Defensive Backfield Boost
In this mock draft, the Chiefs focus on strengthening their defensive backfield by selecting Caleb Farley, a versatile cornerback/safety hybrid from Virginia Tech. Farley’s size, athleticism, and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. His ability to play multiple positions would provide the Chiefs with flexibility and depth in the secondary.
Potential Impact: Farley's versatility would allow the Chiefs to utilize unique defensive packages, creating mismatches and confusing opposing offenses.
Mock Draft 6: Offensive Line Depth
Recognizing the importance of depth along the offensive line, the Chiefs select Liam Eichenberg, an experienced and versatile offensive lineman from Notre Dame. Eichenberg’s versatility allows him to play both tackle and guard positions, providing the Chiefs with flexibility and depth. His solid technique and footwork make him a reliable option to fill any gaps along the line.
Potential Impact: Eichenberg's addition would provide insurance in case of injuries and allow the Chiefs to rest their starters strategically throughout the season.
Mock Draft 7: The Next Edge Rusher
Looking to add another edge rusher to their arsenal, the Chiefs select Joseph Ossai, a productive pass rusher from Texas. Ossai’s combination of size, athleticism, and a high motor make him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. His ability to rush the passer and set the edge would provide a reliable option behind Chris Jones and Frank Clark.
Potential Impact: Ossai's addition would create a deep and talented edge rushing rotation, ensuring a constant pass-rushing threat throughout the game.
Mock Draft 8: Cornerback Competition
With the departure of Bashaud Breeland, the Chiefs decide to bring in competition for the starting cornerback spot by selecting Jaycee Horn, a talented cornerback from South Carolina. Horn’s size, physicality, and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect. His ability to press receivers and disrupt passing lanes would add a new dimension to the Chiefs’ secondary.
Potential Impact: Horn's presence would create a competitive environment, pushing the other cornerbacks to elevate their game and ensuring the Chiefs have a solid starting duo.
Mock Draft 9: The Versatile Linebacker
In this mock draft, the Chiefs address their linebacker corps by selecting Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, a versatile and athletic linebacker from Notre Dame. Owusu-Koramoah’s ability to play multiple positions and his sideline-to-sideline speed make him an ideal fit for the modern NFL. His versatility would allow the Chiefs to utilize unique defensive packages and create mismatches.
Potential Impact: Owusu-Koramoah's addition would bring much-needed athleticism to the linebacker corps, improving the Chiefs' coverage skills and overall defensive flexibility.
Mock Draft 10: Wide Receiver Depth
Recognizing the importance of depth at the wide receiver position, the Chiefs select Tutton Bateman, a productive and reliable receiver from North Dakota State. Bateman’s sure hands, route-running ability, and blocking skills make him a well-rounded prospect. His presence would provide the Chiefs with a reliable target and a solid option in the red zone.
Potential Impact: Bateman's addition would give the Chiefs a consistent pass-catching option, taking pressure off Tyreek Hill and allowing the offense to maintain a balanced attack.
Mock Draft 11: The Future Quarterback
Looking towards the future, the Chiefs decide to select a developmental quarterback in this mock draft. They go with Kellen Mond, a talented and experienced signal-caller from Texas A&M. Mond’s arm strength, mobility, and leadership skills make him an intriguing prospect. His development under Patrick Mahomes’ mentorship could pay dividends in the long run.
Potential Impact: Mond's selection would provide the Chiefs with a potential successor to Mahomes, ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes.
Mock Draft 12: The Pass-Catching Tight End
With the Chiefs’ need for a reliable pass-catching tight end, they select Kyle Pitts, a freakishly talented tight end from Florida. Pitts’ size, speed, and receiving skills make him a mismatch nightmare for defenses. His ability to create separation and make contested catches would give Patrick Mahomes another weapon in the passing game.
Potential Impact: Pitts' addition would create a dynamic and versatile offense, allowing the Chiefs to exploit defenses with unique personnel groupings and creative play designs.
Mock Draft 13: The Interior Offensive Line
Focusing on improving the interior of their offensive line, the Chiefs select Creed Humphrey, an athletic and versatile center from Oklahoma. Humphrey’s quick feet, strength, and intelligence make him an ideal fit to anchor the Chiefs’ offensive line. His ability to communicate and lead the front would provide a solid foundation for the running game.
Potential Impact: Humphrey's presence would stabilize the interior of the offensive line, improving the Chiefs' run blocking and providing better protection for Patrick Mahomes.
Mock Draft 14: The Special Teams Ace
In this mock draft, the Chiefs decide to bolster their special teams unit by selecting Brendon Tucker, a versatile and explosive special teams ace from Georgia. Tucker’s speed, athleticism, and special teams prowess make him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ dynamic special teams scheme. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways would be a valuable asset.
Potential Impact: Tucker's addition would strengthen the Chiefs' special teams coverage and return units, potentially creating more scoring opportunities and field position advantages.
Mock Draft 15: The Defensive Tackle Disruptor
Looking to add some disruption up front, the Chiefs select Christian Barmore, a disruptive defensive tackle from Alabama. Barmore’s size, strength, and pass-rushing ability make him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to collapse the pocket and create havoc in the backfield would complement the Chiefs’ already talented defensive line.
Potential Impact: Barmore's addition would provide the Chiefs with an interior pass-rushing threat, increasing their ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs have a plethora of options in the upcoming NFL Draft, and these 15 mock drafts provide a glimpse into the potential strategies and impact players they could bring to the team. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, strengthening the secondary, or adding dynamic playmakers on offense, the Chiefs have the opportunity to further solidify their roster and maintain their dominance in the AFC West.
As we await the actual draft, these mock drafts offer an exciting glimpse into the possibilities and provide a platform for Chiefs fans to engage in lively discussions. Stay tuned as we navigate the twists and turns of the NFL Draft and witness the Chiefs' master plan unfold.
FAQ
When is the NFL Draft taking place this year?
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The 2022 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 28th to April 30th.
How many picks do the Chiefs have in the 2022 NFL Draft?
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The Chiefs currently have seven picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including one in the first round, one in the second round, two in the third round, and three in the later rounds.
What positions are the Chiefs likely to target in the draft?
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The Chiefs are expected to target positions such as offensive line, cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver to address their roster needs.
Who are some of the top prospects the Chiefs could select in the first round?
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Some of the top prospects the Chiefs could target in the first round include Penei Sewell, Patrick Surtain II, Jaelan Phillips, and Jaylen Waddle.
