Kansas City Chiefs: 7 Players worth trading up for in Round 1

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Bryan Bresee #11 of the Clemson Tigers in action against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Bryan Bresee #11 of the Clemson Tigers in action against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 26: Defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness #91 of the Iowa Hawkeyes forces a safety from quarterback Logan Smothers #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 26: Defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness #91 of the Iowa Hawkeyes forces a safety from quarterback Logan Smothers #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

7. Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Why he’s worth the risk:

A trade-up scenario that involves Lukas Van Ness would likely be a minor one. Van Ness is in a tier of his own in this class. While he doesn’t fit in with the top EDGE options like Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson, or Myles Murphy, he does belong in the first round. If he is sitting there later in the first round, Van Ness would make for a great pick for the Chiefs.

While he has a lot to learn at the NFL level, Van Ness is powerful and shows a surprising level of flexibilty for a person his size. With an energy that never stops, Lukas Van Ness is a relentless and powerful pass-rusher with plenty of room to grow.

Why he could fall:

There are a ton of talented EDGE rushers in this draft class. It would not be surprising if Lukas Van Ness was available when the Chiefs picked at 31. With that in mind, there could always be a really early run on the position. Van Ness is clearly very talented, but less refined than a number of others at the same position.

Where is the “sweet spot” for moving up?: #25-#29

It would be a small investment for Kansas City. If Van Ness is the last available EDGE that the Chiefs would be willing to take in the first round, they might be willing to spring for a quick move-up. For a cost-controlled option to pair with George Karlaftis, Lukas Van Ness would be a smart addition based on where he might go in the draft.

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