Plotting the ideal offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs
2023 NFL Mock Draft
The 2023 NFL Mock Draft Simulator at Pro Football Focus was used for this.
31. player. 811. . DT. Wolverines . Mazi Smith
The Chiefs continue to add depth to their defensive line by drafting Mazi Smith from Michigan. Smith is more of a run stuffer than a pass rusher, but he has the potential to develop into a quality three-down lineman.
Despite Chris Jones, Khalen Saunders, and A’Shawn Robinson all being signed to multi-year deals, the Eagles proved this past season that depth is critical when it comes to building a great defensive line. Smith will play primarily on early downs early in his career but should grow into a bigger role as he develops.
Kansas City addresses its offensive tackle concern with former NDSU Bison Cody Mauch. He’s a freak in the running game, but his pass protection needs development, which isn’t surprising considering how NDSU ran over 2.5 run plays for every 1 pass attempt in 2022.
Given how Mauch is coming from the FCS and his raw pass-blocking ability, he will compete with Ja-Wuan James and Lucas Niang for the starting right tackle job and could succeed Orlando Brown Jr. in 2024.
player. 819. . S. Fighting Irish . Brandon Joseph. 95
After letting Juan Thornhill walk in free agency, they grab his replacement with Brandon Joseph. His 10 career interceptions in college would be an asset to the secondary and he could serve as a potential replacement for Justin Reid, if the Chiefs were to move on from him next offseason.
810. . WR. Cornhuskers . Trey Palmer. 123. player
The Chiefs nab their potential deep threat of the future with former Cornhusker Trey Palmer. He has the speed and vertical threat ability that the Chiefs lack, With Marquez Valdes-Scantling getting more expensive, Palmer could serve as his successor. A wide receiver room of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Trey Palmer would be unfair with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.
2369. . CB. Blazers . Starling Thomas V. 133. player
When you’re in a conference with Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert, a team can never have too many good cornerbacks. L’Jarius Sneed is also a free agent next offseason and Brett Veach may opt to draft a successor and roll with him and the 2022 rookies instead of signing him long-term.
. IOL. Nittany Lions . Juice Scruggs. 168. player. 806
The Chiefs continue to add offensive line depth with All-Name nominee Juice Scruggs. He could play Center or Guard with Kansas City and would provide cost-effective depth for the next four seasons.
810. . DE. Cornhuskers . Ochaun Mathis. 178. player
Kansas City needs to continue bolstering the trenches if they want to contend for Super Bowls.
Aubrey Miller Jr. from Jackson State is built similarly to Willie Gay and would play on special teams early in his career. He’s fast and could carve out a role on defense for himself in the future if he can improve on early downs.
Mohamed Ibrahim. 219. player. 852. . RB. Golden Gophers
The Chiefs nab one of the most decorated offensive players in the history of Minnesota football. He would likely play a role similar to what Ronald Jones did last year.
811. . K. Wolverines . Jake Moody. 227. player
Jake Moody would serve as insurance in case Harrison Butker is not retained in 2023.
Here is competition for Michael Burton with Hunter Luepke of NDSU, one of the highest touted fullback prospects this year.
Horned Frogs . Max Duggan. 257. player. 872. . QB
Why not? With one of the final picks of the draft, the Chiefs nab more competition to be Mahomes’ backup. We saw a rookie quarterback from the Big 12 make a huge impact last season with Brock Purdy and maybe it happens again. Probably not but Duggan would be a solid addition as he’s a big name and is from the greater Omaha area.