2025 3-round mock draft: A Chiefs' trade back would bring loads of needed prospects

So much of Kansas City Chiefs coverage right now is centered around one thing: the quest for the three-peat and rightfully so, as it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. However, it has led to some of us overlooking the future and the fun of NFL Draft anticipation.

The 2025 Chiefs will have to take the field and you'll want them to be dominant next year, too. After the trade deadline, the Chiefs could be without their 4th or 5th-round pick in 2025 after trading for DeAndre Hopkins.

In terms of personnel, the Chiefs currently do not have the following players under contract for the 2025 season: Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Trey Smith, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Carson Wentz, Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, James Winchester, Mike Pennel, Justin Watson, Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, Tershawn Wharton, Charles Omenihu, Joshua Uche, Derek Nnadi, Nick Bolton and Justin Reid. That's a lot of valuable snaps to lose for a team with $22.7 million in projected cap space in 2025.

Quietly, the Chiefs need a home run draft after the last two draft classes haven't yielded a ton of value yet. It's no coincidence that the Chiefs' best draft under general manager Brett Veach (2022) was also the year in which they had the most picks. We like to think of the draft as an exact science, but at the end of the day, it's much closer to a lottery than we'd all like to admit. The more lottery tickets you have, the more likely you are to win.

In this mock of the 2025 NFL Draft, we explore how Veach might get more picks by having the Chiefs trade out of the first round—much like the Texans did in 2024 to recoup more picks.

Round 2, Pick 52: Landon Jackson, ED, Arkansas

The Chiefs trade their pick (32) to the Arizona Cardinals for pick 52 (2nd) and pick (84), which gives the Chiefs five picks in the top 100. Landon Jackson is a long and powerful edge prospect. At 6-7 280 lbs., it's hard not to notice Jackson when you turn on a Razorbacks game.

Jackson can line up all across the line with his size and brings a relentless motor to rush the passer. His frame allows him to set the edge well. There are some overall athleticism questions at his size. He's likely not going to win in 2 seconds around the edge but he's a high-floor edge that checks lots of boxes for the Spagnuolo system.

Jackson can help fill the void left by Charles Omenihu in 2025. His versatility will allow him to also help in the "NASCAR" package rushing from the interior. There is some injury history with him that could determine his draft stock, too.

Round 2, Pick 64: Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

When in doubt, just take an LSU wide receiver?

Lacy hasn't had quite the pedigree that some of the previous greats, but there is still a WR1 profile in him. At 6-2 205 lbs., Lacy has the needed size to win on the outside or from the slot. He's already had his most productive season for the Tigers. He has a strong release package coupled with above-average route running and strong hands. Maturity questions plague Lacy on and off the field, but the Chiefs are no strangers to those questions.

With Rashee Rice likely sideline into 2025, DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown hitting the market, and questions about Travis Kelce's future, the need for pass catchers is real. Lacy will likely be a bit more of a project receiver, but the vision is Rice, Lacy, and Worthy as the young core going forward.

Round 3, Pick 79: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Henderson is a part of a loaded RB class and he fills a void that the Chiefs running back room has had for a while. Imagine Henderson as a similar player to what Jahmyr Gibbs brings the Lions backfield. Henderson isn't that level of player but he's a strong pass protector for a college back, is excellent at catching passes out of the backfield, and has speed and agility to run outside zone concepts. Henderson does have an injury flag that might be an issue and he's not a big tackle breaker.

As stated above, the Chiefs need skill position players. We've all loved what we've seen out of Kareem Hunt and look forward to Isiah Pacheco being added, too. There's value in having two good backs and Henderson fills a role the Chiefs have been relying on aging vets for like Perine and McKinnon. Henderson brings explosiveness to that third down back role.

Round 3, Pick 84: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

Jackson is currently playing left tackle for the banged-up Buckeyes offensive line but is more of a guard at the next level. He came out of high school as a top recruit and has flashed his length and strength in both the run and pass game. Jackson is a high-floor blocker with a high football IQ he's scheme -versatile and battle-tested. At times, he gets a little top-heavy but that can be cleaned up.

It's still unclear if the Chiefs will retain Joe Thuney (cheaper to cut than keep) and Trey Smith. The Chiefs have relied on the interior offensive line all season long. Taking a step back there could be a huge blow to the offense. Jackson is a highly decorated prospect who can come in and start day 1 next to Creed Humphrey. Raise the floor of the offensive line as much as possible with players like Jackson, Nourzad, and Caliendo.

Round 3, Pick 96: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Quickly climbing up draft boards is the long and rangy safety for the Gamecocks. Emmanwori is 6-3, 227 lbs., and is 3rd in FBS with 4 interceptions. Wouldn't be surprised if he's long gone at this point in the draft, but for now we will follow the simulators. His size and versatility make him a chess piece for a defense lining up in the box, in the slot, or out deep. Emmanwori possesses elite size and athleticism, from his foot speed to his ability to change direction. He has good foot quickness and fluidity when in coverage, enabling him to transition quickly.

While the Chiefs are set to lose Justin Reid, they do still have Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, and Jaden Hicks under contract for 2025. Emmanwori might have some overlap with Hicks, but Conner is more of a corner in the current scheme, and Cook, while reliable, isn't a player you're thinking you have to extend. Draft good players. Emmanwori and Hicks could be a nasty safety tandem in the future.