NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Round 1 surprises for KC Chiefs

Let’s look at the biggest potential surprises that could come the Kansas City Chiefs’ way in Round 1 (while keeping things realistic).

The NFL Draft is full of surprises each and every year. Beyond our fandom and the excitement of meeting the newest additions to our favorite teams, that mystery and intrigue is why millions of us tune in to watch the three-day event each season.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, there are a number of ways in which the draft could surprise them this season, for better or worse. The Chiefs have specific positions to address with higher selections if the value is right, which is what makes it so difficult for general manager Brett Veach and company to have to wait until No. 31 overall to make their selection. Of course, no one is complaining given that it comes with a Super Bowl title.

So what surprises could be in store for the Chiefs? We wanted to keep things within the realm of possibility versus just making up random stuff (like “Jets want to trade a first-round pick for Clyde Edwards-Helaire!”), but here are a few surprises that could legitimately happen in Round 1.

A top-tier cornerback falls

What’s a team to do when a luxury pick falls in their lap? It’s entirely possible it could happen in this draft.

The 2023 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded at cornerback. From elite prospects who are projected to go in the top 7-8 picks to potential contributors to be found late on Day 3, there’s a lot for teams to like in this year’s draft who need to load up in the secondary. There’s quality and quantity and that’s good news for pass defenses moving forward.

The “bad news” here for the Chiefs, if it can be called that, is that the Chiefs already completely remade their cornerback room last year to dazzling results. The Chiefs chose five defensive backs last year in 10 picks overall and nearly all of them were strong contributors for a defense that demanded a lot from the rookie crop.

Trent McDuffie was a lockdown corner, as hoped, after being taken first overall. Jaylen Watson was a revelation as a boundary starter taken in the seventh round. Joshua Williams was a fourth-round project who developed as hoped in his first season and could have a sky-high ceiling as another lengthy starter. Together with L’Jarius Sneed, the top quartet of corners seem to be set and all are young talents who should only get better.

But here’s a draft in which CB is deep and teams know it, which means even an elite corner could slip farther than expected. Teams should pounce early on limited positions and that could mean a run on other positions the Chiefs need—such as offensive tackle and edge rushers. If the pickings are slimmer than they like in one category, should they not reach for the best overall talent regardless of position?

Imagine if Joey Porter Jr. falls to the Chiefs in a massive surprise? What if the Chiefs have a high grade on Cam Smith and other positions aren’t all that inspiring? Could the Chiefs grab a corner in consecutive first rounds? It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility even if it creates a real logjam in terms of playing time for those who deserve the reps.