Laddie Morse
There are certainly more than three ways, or three approaches, that the Kansas City Chiefs could take in this draft. However, here are three of them: select a DT first overall, select an OL first overall, or select a WR first overall. Since DT, OT, and WR appear to be three of the team’s biggest needs, that’s how I’ll approach it today. As David Bell has told me many times now, “I’ve done some many Mock Drafts, it’s hard to keep track.” So, that’s not only true for him, it’s true for me as well, and I’m sure that’s true for many of you.
Here’s the first way to approach this draft: take a Defensive Tackle. The why? Because it seems that the Defensive tackle talent falls off fairly quickly so if you want a good one, take one early. That also works because WR is a deep position.
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So, here’s a mock doing just that:
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DL, Darius Robinson
If the Chiefs go with a Defensive Lineman first overall (with the 32nd pick), it may mean they haven’t yet resolved thier contract issues with Chris Jones. That… by then… would be a disaster. Hopefully they can pick up another DL like Robinson early in this draft because their IDL has the most lack of depth on the roster. Besides Chris Jones who do they have? Tershawn Wharton? Okay, I’ll give you that, but if you’re thinking of bringing back Derrick Nnadi, I’d say no thank you and move on please. Robinson, at 6-foot-5, and 296 lbs. could one day replace CJ (6-6, 310) and maybe, just maybe, he could — with tons of training — turn into another CJ. Wouldn’t that be awesome!? Plus, DR played his High School ball in Michigan and then went on to star at Missouri and back in HS he not only played DT, but he played outside linebacker and tight end in high school. Reid’s gotta love that!
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This Mock was done at Fanspeak.com which is one of my favorite sites for doing Mock Simulations. You’ll notice that I took a DL, an OT, and a WR, in the first three rounds. Brenden Rice — the WR I mocked — is the son of the real GOAT in the NFL: Jerry Rice. Here’s Brenden’s highlight reel from 2023 (4:59):
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I really like how Brenden Rice keeps moving and giving Caleb Williams — their QB — a target to work with. Yes, that perfectly translates to the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes needs. It would also give K.C. a Rice (Rashee) and Rice (Brenden).”
I’ll take that with a double side of rice please” … and no guilt.
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Here’s a Mock Draft that allows for the first pick to be an OT:
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OT, Tyler Guyton
Guyton is a possible draft pick because so many other prospects rank well in front of him. However, he could end up being the starting LT for K.C. in 2023. Guyton started out at TCU (2020 and 2021) and then moved on to Oklahoma (2022 and 2023). In his last year at Oklahoma, he allowed 9 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks in the 9 games he played in. However, that was while playing Right Tackle. In this scenario, Jawaan Taylor would have to move to Left Tackle for K.C.. DraftBuzz.com says Guyton has an “Exceptional frame and build, standing at 6’7″ and 328 pounds, ideal for the physical demands of an NFL offensive tackle.” It’s a lot like freshmeat62 says, we can see, “physical stuff, size, speed, flexibility” but when it comes to “Smarts” and “Attitude” we are in the dark. So it is with our first pick.
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This mock was done at NFLMockDraftDatabase.com so here’s the link if you’d like to try it out yourself. You’ll quickly notice that I took no WRs in this mock. That means GM Brett Veach would have to make all his WR selections in free agency coming up in just a few days.
OT Tyler Guyton is 6-foot-7 and weighs in at 328. He’s ranked as the 30th best overall prospect by CBSSports.com and he’s also ranked as the best overall prospect at #34 by DrafTek. He’s also ranked as the 7th best OT by DraftBuzz.com. Guyton would also be the thrid Offensive Lineman on the KC roster with Wanya Morris and Creed Humphrey preceeding him.
Tyler Guyton had a very good Senior Bowl week:
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Lastly, for the day, here’s a Mock Draft that allows for the first pick to be a WR:
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WR, Ladd McConkey
DraftBuzz.com has this to say about McConkey:
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“Ladd McConkey’s skill set projects well at the next level. His route precision, ball tracking, and quickness off the line are standout traits. Despite his size, he plays with an edge, showing promise as a slot receiver and potential on special teams. However, concerns about his ability to handle physical corners and create separation against elite defenders persist. His transition from catch to run needs refining. A smart player, McConkey’s adaptability and work ethic could see him carve out a significant role in an NFL offense, especially in schemes that can exploit his agility and route-running savvy.”
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It’s interesting that DraftBuzz says McConkey has “quickness off the line” while also saying in their Weaknesses section, “he lacks twitch.” So you might interpret that anyway you want. I think McConkey could be a #1 WR in the Chiefs system and that’s what really matters to me for a WR being taken with the first pick by K.C.. Besides, I was going to say I liked his “twitch”… it’s not as good as Tyreek Hill’s, but who’s is? Here you can see in the first play that McConkey has the wherewithal to read and anticipate the defense and he keeps the play alive long enough to make it all the way into the end zone. I think Andy Reid will like that, a lot (3:38):
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What do you think? Have a Mock to share?
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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