Chiefs

Ready for the NFL Draft? The Star’s mock drafts explore the Chiefs’ choices

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Dive into this deep, action-focused roundup of how the Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft.

These stories outline Kansas City's focus on overhauling both sides of the line, eyeing prospects like defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and left tackle prospects such as Aireontae Ersery. Brett Veach’s comments show an urgency for premium positions — offensive line, defensive line, corner, and receiver — with mock drafts often projecting moves for edge rushers or explosive wideouts like Luther Burden III.

Kansas City has a unique shot at the "Mr. Irrelevant" pick. Kansas City Star experts detail how roster trades shape the Chiefs' eight total selections this year. See how the Chiefs might trade up, trade back, or double down on value to fill gaps and keep Patrick Mahomes protected.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A fan holds an altered “Mr. Irrelevant” jersey for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (not pictured) during pregame warmups against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. By Joe Nicholson

NO. 1: WHY CHIEFS ARE LIKELY TO GET ‘MR. IRRELEVANT’ DRAFT PICK IN 2025 — AND WHAT THAT MEANS

Here’s a list of the picks the Chiefs will have in the 2025 draft. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jesse Newell

Texas A&M defensive lineman Nic Scourton (DL65) wears a medallion with picture of late uncle Harold during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 26, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. By Kirby Lee

NO. 2: WHO WILL CHIEFS TAKE IN 2025 NFL DRAFT? SEE KC STAR’S PREDICTIONS IN MOCK DRAFT

Our Mock Draft 1.0 has gotten a future Chiefs player correct (with the first pick) for three straight seasons. Will this be the fourth? | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jesse Newell

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs for a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. By Chris Jones

NO. 3: CHIEFS MOCK DRAFT 2.0: HOW MUCH EMPHASIS ON DEFENSIVE LINE FOR KC IN NFL DRAFT?

The Star’s latest mock draft for the Chiefs has them leaning toward defensive line early. | Published April 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales interviews Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) during the 2025 NFL Combine on Feb. 27, 2025 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. By Kirby Lee

NO. 4: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS MOCK DRAFT 3.0: HOW EARLY WILL KC TAKE AN OFFENSIVE TACKLE?

The Star’s Chiefs Mock Draft 3.0 was perfect with its first-round pick last year. Can we go 2-for-2? | Published April 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jesse Newell

Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 26, 2024. By Will McLelland

NO. 5: OUR FINAL 2025 MOCK NFL DRAFT HAS CHIEFS GOING IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

Could the Chiefs bolster an already strong position group with this first-round pick? | Published April 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick during the second round of the NFL Draft outside of Union Station on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Kansas City. By Nick Wagner

NO. 6: WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO WATCH 2025 NFL DRAFT + ALL THE PICKS THE CHIEFS HAVE

Here is when the 2025 NFL Draft will be held and how to watch — along with the eight picks the Kansas City Chiefs hold. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, left, and head coach Andy Reid speak while observing players during practice at Chiefs training camp on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in St. Joseph. By Emily Curiel

NO. 7: WILL THE CHIEFS EYE A LEFT TACKLE IN THE ’25 DRAFT? HERE’S WHAT BRETT VEACH SAYS

Jaylon Moore is the Chiefs’ most expensive free agent this offseason. They should still target a left tackle in the draft. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is seen during practice at training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in St. Joesph. By Emily Curiel

NO. 8: BRETT VEACH DROPPED A LOT OF NUGGETS ABOUT THE CHIEFS’ NFL DRAFT PLANS

Wondering what the Chiefs will do in next week’s draft? Brett Veach dropped these clues. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.