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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) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – OCTOBER 26: George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after his sack in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 26, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – OCTOBER 26: George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after his sack in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 26, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

28. Green Bay Packers: Edge George Karlaftis, Purdue

This is another spot where the Packers can go with a wideout, but receiver depth in this draft is immense. Look for Green Bay to draft another weapon in the second round. Karlaftis is too good of a pass rusher to pass up at this pick, and he is a steal at 28th overall. With Za’Darius Smith signing with the Vikings, Green Bay should buff up the defensive line. Karlaftis is just a solid player that can rush the passer and defend the run. Last season, Karlaftis recorded 39 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 12 games. The Purdue product is the best power rusher in this year’s draft, and he can dominate with pure strength and will. The Packers may get some pushback for not selecting another receiver, but the 6’4”, 275-pound pass rusher is too much of a game-changer for the Packers’ pass rush.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State

Another wide receiver comes off the board, as the Chiefs go with Dotson out of Penn State. Speed is a quality that the Chiefs value to a fault, but Dotson demonstrates other traits that would have the Chiefs very excited. Despite being only 5’11”, Dotson has the ability to battle for contested catches and arguably has the best hands among the wideouts in this draft. The 22-year-old wide receiver is also a polished route-runner that naturally creates separation. Another reason this pick makes sense is the fact the wide receiver market is exploding, and drafting a receiver in the first round gives an extra year on the rookie contract. Dotson would be a great fit alongside Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs keep Patrick Mahomes surrounded by a plethora of options at his disposal.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge David Ojabo, Michigan

This pick will not return production out of the gate, but it does provide great value for the Chiefs. Ojabo was most likely going to be a top-10 pick before tearing his Achilles during his pro day workout. Because of this injury, his draft stock has plummeted, leading him to be viewed as a late-first, early second-round pick. Despite the fact that Ojabo most likely will not be a contributor this season, the talent is too impressive to let slip by. In his lone full season at Michigan, the 6’5”, 250-pound edge rusher manufactured 39 tackles and 12 sacks. Having 12 picks allows the Chiefs to make a selection like this. It may not help the team right away, but Ojabo can be a force when he returns. Although it is a small possibility, if Ojabo returns late in the season, he can be a big part of a potential playoff push.

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