Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

KC Chiefs address offense and defense in first-round mock draft

By Logan Lazarczyk

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 11
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Travon Walker #DL48 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Travon Walker #DL48 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Let’s look at how the first round could go down on Thursday to open the draft and how the Chiefs could address both sides of the ball on day one.

The 2022 NFL Draft is just two days away, and it is time to predict how the first round can potentially play out.

This is a draft that is unlike any draft we have seen in quite a few years. For one, there is no quarterback in this draft that is solidified to be a franchise quarterback. Secondly, the first overall pick is wide open, and it could be argued that there could be a number of players selected number one. Lastly, the Chiefs are in an unprecedented time in their franchise. With the trade of Tyreek Hill, Kansas City has 12 picks in the draft, including two in the first round. There are truly so many directions this draft can go.

Disclaimer: This is what I think will happen, not what I would do.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Travon Walker, Georgia

Aidan Hutchinson has been viewed as the consensus first overall pick for the majority of the offseason, but in recent weeks a new name has emerged. There has been some buzz around the league that Jacksonville has a growing interest in Walker. Hutchinson would be the safer pick, but General Manager Trent Baalke has shown in the past to aim for home runs over safe picks. This pick would be solely based on the high potential and raw ability that the Georgia product possesses. This selection would have nothing to do with college production, as Walker recorded 61 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 29 games. However, the 6’5”, 275-pound pass rusher dazzled at the NFL Scouting Combine, highlighted by a 4.51 40-yard dash. This pick is all about potential, and it may take a couple of years to prove, but Walker possesses a very high ceiling.

2. Detroit Lions: Edge Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

This could be a no-brainer pick for the Lions, and the Jaguars picking Walker will make it easier to select the highly touted pass rusher. Hutchinson may not possess the upside, but he is probably the readiest to produce of all the pass rushers in the first year. Hutchinson would stay close to home, and his motor fits Dan Campbell’s personality. The hype around Hutchinson has been overblown, but the former Michigan Wolverine can produce day one for the Lions and is the safest pick at this point of the draft.

3. Houston Texans: OT Evan Neal, Alabama

The Texans can go in many directions with this pick, but one area that has been a weakness for multiple years now is the offensive line. Davis Mills is not the most mobile quarterback and orchestrates almost exclusively from the pocket. Neal is a towering figure on the offensive line at 6’7” and 350 pounds. His physicality and length will be a major part of this rebuilding offensive line.

Home/Mock Draft