KC Chiefs mock draft roundup: Will Patrick Mahomes get a new target?

Dawand Jones – Ohio State

This week, our curveball of a first-round projection comes to us from Brant Henson of Rotoballer and we appreciate the thought process here for a number of reasons—even if it’s just to allow us to talk about another position.

First, Henson has the Chiefs selecting offensive tackle Dawand Jones from Ohio State. Here’s what Henson had to say:

"Kansas City has had strong offensive line play the past few seasons, but Andrew Wylie is an impending free agent. Here, they add the physically gifted freak out of Ohio State in Dawand Jones. Jones’ 6-8, 350-pound frame will allow him to dominate on a gifted line while protecting for Patrick Mahomes."

Jones is right on here in a number of ways, which is why we’re keen to discuss this pick. The Chiefs technically have far more than just Andrew Wylie headed for free agency this spring, although we’re pretty sure Henson is assuming the Chiefs bring back Orlando Brown Jr. on a franchise tag, at least, to maintain leverage and control the market here. He’s absolutely right. That said, both starting tackles for the Chiefs are technically free agents-to-be and that’s a nightmare scenario if it all falls apart for general manager Brett Veach.

The Chiefs have made some recent investments in the position through the draft that have yet to yield any fruit whatsoever. Lucas Niang has been injured consistently in his brief but disappointing career and Darian Kinnard was a total project in year one, so the Chiefs’ last two attempts to add to the mix have yet to produce anything of note. Still, they remain on the roster with hopes of changing their fortunes in 2023.

After winning a Super Bowl, Wylie might be a bit more expensive than the Chiefs would like. It’s also possible Brown plays hardball for another year. If so, the pursuit of a top tackle like Jones makes a lot of sense.

What’s interesting is that Jones’ pro comparison is someone like Brown, meaning that he’s an incredibly powerful tackle who relies on his strength and mammoth frame to protect his quarterback. That works very well against some opponents, but Brown has struggled at times in big games when defenses feature edge rushers with elite bend and burst.

Do the Chiefs have a “type” here? Do they want Brown 2.0 as their future investment here or would they look for a more well-rounded tackle? Honestly, could they get one picking at No. 31 overall when the best of the class will obviously be long gone? Jones might not be everyone’s style, but there’s no doubt the Chiefs would immediately give themselves a higher ceiling and much more protection at a very important position going forward if they made this pick.