KC Chiefs address trenches in three-round 2021 mock draft

The Chiefs lock in help along the lines in this three-round 2021 mock draft.

While our primary focus in on their efforts to run it back in 2020, it’s also never too early to get a read on what the future of the Kansas City Chiefs might resemble by reading through 2021 mock drafts. Over at Draft Wire, a new three-round mock is up to give us an idea of what the top of the next Chiefs draft class might resemble.

A quick note here: they have the Chiefs drafting at No. 31 overall. That’s second to last in the draft order, which is fine since not everyone has to believe the Chiefs can repeat, but it’s also an impossible set-up overall given that they have the Chiefs losing in the Super Bowl to the Baltimore Ravens, who pick at No. 32. Given that both are AFC teams, the author here is rewriting the NFL rules a bit.

Still, the Chiefs will be picking late, no doubt, and here’s a look at what the first two days of the draft could bring in terms of names and needs addressed.

1st round (31st overall): Cade Mays, OL, Tennessee

Cade Mays will need to declare for the draft as an underclassman, which is common but not a lock, for the Chiefs to be able to take him at No. 31.

Mays is a very versatile junior lineman who will be new to the Volunteers in 2020. In fact, he’s still waiting on a waiver to play after transferring over from Georgia. The transfer to Tennessee is a homecoming of sorts given that he was originally a commit to the Vols. His younger brother is also now playing for them as well.

With the Bulldogs, Mays was a starter at multiple positions along the offensive line against top-notch competition. He started at left tackle in the Sugar Bowl, but started games at left guard, right guard and right tackle throughout his sophomore season. At 6’6, 328 lbs., Mays should be in the running to be among the first linemen off the board, which could mean the Chiefs might not actually be in realistic range to take him.

If the Chiefs could somehow secure Mays’ services, he’d be the team’s biggest draft investment along the line since 2013 when they selected Eric Fisher atop the entire draft. The addition of Mays would add give the team options, but it would also significantly raise the ceiling of the offensive front to give them an impact performer in front of Patrick Mahomes.

Together with Lucas Niang, who opted out of the 2020 season, therefore delaying his debut, Mays could help form the nucleus of the line for the next decade in K.C.