Three-round mock draft gives KC Chiefs help at needy positions

As time inches toward the offseason, it is almost time to talk draft, free agents, and contract extensions. To kick off that discussion, we offer a three-round mock.

The Chiefs are a dominant football team that will be looking to strengthen itself even further in the upcoming NFL draft. After overhauling the offensive line last season, it seems likely that Brett Veach will target a new area of growth for the offseason. Unlike last season, there are no glaring issues with the roster, just a few places to patch up.

At this moment in time, it seems likely that the Chiefs will need to bulk up in a couple of areas. They will need more playmakers on offense, particularly at wide receiver. They will also likely need depth at cornerback and a player to replace Frank Clark at defensive end. Knowing Brett Veach’s tendencies, there could be a couple of wild card-type picks taken for their fit on the team.

So, who could the Chiefs draft in the first three rounds? Let’s get into it.

Round 1: Pick 29-32: Drake London, WR, USC

This pick is not only made out of a need for a receiver, but also the style-fit of Brett Veach. For a couple of seasons now, Veach has tried really hard to find a big body receiver that can get open on the boundaries and make contested catches. This season he signed Josh Gordon in the middle of the season. A couple of years back, the Chiefs took a flier on Kelvin Benjamin. Now, they have an opportunity to draft the perfect player for that role.

Drake London has an opportunity to be an incredible professional athlete. With his tremendous size and athletic ability, London may very well emerge as a top receiver in the draft class. He is everything that the Chiefs lack at wide receiver. Standing 6’5 and weighing 210 pounds, London is a former basketball player that has showcased a knack for tracking down and catching the football. While many former basketball players become tight ends, this one is, as the kids say, “built differently.”

In 2021, London had 88 receptions for 1084 yards and 7 touchdowns. While he does not always appear to be an explosive athlete, he is surprisingly good in the open field. USC used him in the screen game more than you would typically expect from a 6’5 receiver. He could make tacklers miss and run them over. His greatest strength was finding the soft spot in zone coverage. The USC offense often relied on his ability to get open on dig routes. With strong hands and a knack for creating just enough separation, London delivered time and time again.

Ultimately, this is a polarizing pick. Some like London, some do not. London has a lot of room to grow and is a bit raw. With an NFL coaching staff to work with and some time to work, London has the potential to be a very good receiver for the Chiefs in year one and beyond.