NFL mock draft 2.0: KC Chiefs trade way up for bold selection
By Grant Tuttle
Every day, we inch closer to the NFL Draft. With it being draft season, we release our second installment of a first round mock, in which the Chiefs move up.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Draft season is in full swing. Every NFL fanbase is in the middle of overthinking every top-30 visit, draft rumor, and free agency signing. We are doing much of the same here, but trying to stay as objective as possible. Today, we are releasing our second installment of our first-round mock. This time, the Kansas City Chiefs are moving up and taking a home run swing.
In this article, we will give a description of why each selection makes sense for each team. We will also have some projected trades and surprise picks to make it as realistic as possible. Without further ado, the Carolina Panthers are on the clock.
From Chicago Bears
The Panthers moved a lot of capital to acquire the first overall pick. With a number of really good options at quarterback, they are going to almost undoubtedly be going with their new quarterback of the future with the first overall pick. In this case, CJ Stroud is the best option because of his combination of potential and NFL readiness. While they could want a bolder pick here in Bryce Young or Anthony Richardson, Stroud might make the most sense of anyone.
The Houston Texans are lucky to have a chance to grab the second-best quarterback in a talented draft class. In this one, we have them taking Bryce Young; A nice fit for the Texans due to Houston’s sneakily good offensive line. With Young having a smaller frame, that is almost certainly a concern to some NFL executives. If the Texans can keep him clean, Young has the skill set to make plays and push the ball down the field; Something that the Texans have not had for a couple of years.
With the third pick, the Cardinals find themselves in a great position: They get to draft the best player available that is not a quarterback. In this case, the Cardinals select the best defensive player available. Will Anderson Jr. is a freak athlete that will wreak havoc on slower tackles in the NFL. With a great first step and a knack for finishing tackles, Will Anderson Jr. might be one of the best defensive players in the NFL one day. For the Cardinals, who have Budda Baker and a bunch of guys, that could make an enormous difference. Last season, the Cardinals finished tied for 26th in the NFL in sacks. While they might not be contenders this year, Will Anderson Jr. could go a long way in changing the culture in Arizona.