Before we dive into picks, let's set the stage for my own mock draft. There is no shortage of mock draft simulators on the web, but I'm partial to Pro Football Focus due to its clean interface, onboard analytics, player rankings, trade functionality, and post-draft grading.
Fortunately for us, this will allow us to mock all four of the Chiefs' top 100 picks. I will zero in on three or four players at each draft position based the following criteria: draft need, best player available, and positional value. I will then make my selections and provide my rationale for each choice.
Round 1, 31st pick overall
The Kansas City Chiefs are officially on the clock and the following four players are atop my big board: Derrick Harmon (DI, Oregon), Darius Alexander (DI, Toledo), Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon), and Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford).
The recent signing of Jaylon Moore seems to make offensive tackle less of a priority, but he's still largely unproven. On the defensive side, the Chiefs added veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, but that still feels like a position where the ceiling could be higher. Ayomanor may well be the prototypical "X" receiver for the Chiefs, but that position group is already solid with Rashee Rice, Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown, and Xavier Worthy occupying the top three spots.
Selection: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
He's the more imposing player compared to Alexander (he's taller, heavier, and has longer arms) and I really like his explosiveness and ability to be disruptive in the backfield. If he continues to evolve—something I expect under the tutelage of defensive line coach Joe Cullen—Kansas City's defensive front could be special with him lined up next to Chris Jones.
Round 2, 63rd pick overall
After bolstering the defensive line, the Chiefs look to another position now that they're back on the clock at 63. The top three players on the board in this round: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami), Jared Ivey (DE, Ole Miss), and Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame).
Arroyo would give the Chiefs another long-term option for life after Travis Kelce, but with Noah Gray likely to command more snaps next season and 2024 draftee Jared Wiley returning to action, that's a crowded room. Some draft experts believe Ivey doesn't have the natural speed to threaten the edge with any consistency. He may be better served in an odd front.
Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The addition of Kristian Fulton gives the Chiefs a starter on the outside and improves the overall depth of the cornerback room, but the team is still one injury away from having to rely on Joshua Williams or Nazeeh Johnson again. Morrison is a good prospect with strong man-coverage abilities. He's not a great tackler and on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of arm length, but he's fluid and has plus athleticism, and I trust defensive backs coach Dave Merritt to shore up his game.
Round 3, 66th pick overall
Three picks later, the Chiefs are back on the clock and there are four intriguing options available: Kyle Kennard (DE, South Carolina), Mason Taylor (TE, LSU), Jordan Burch (DE, Oregon), and Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College).
The Chiefs have solid depth at defensive edge, but could see significant change at that position after the 2025 season. Charles Omenihu was only re-signed to a one-year deal, and the team can save $9 million in cap space by moving on from Mike Danna. Unfortunately, Kennard lacks the size to start in Spagnuolo's system. Taylor's unlikely for the same reasons Arroyo was at 63. Trapilo could be a solid swing tackle in the short-term and be a candidate for the right side when Kansas City inevitably moves on from Jawaan Taylor (in 2026).
Selection: Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon
Kansas City gets a 6'6", 295-pound edge for Cullen to sculpt into a reliable starter. Burch still needs to develop his pass-rush bag, but his athleticism, traits, and size make him too good to pass up here at 66. He was Hell on wheels in an October matchup against Michigan State, where he recorded 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
Round 4, 95th pick overall
With Kansas City's final pick in this mock, the four best players available are: Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State), Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas), Devin Neal (HB, Kansas), and Charles Grant (T, William & Mary).
Thus far, this draft has had a singular focus on improving the defense. I could continue that trend here. There are a pair of defensive backs sitting there who could reinforce the back end of the secondary—which did lose veteran safety Justin Reid to free agency. Ransom has some athletic limitations and Mukuba isn't as physical as you'd like. This could also be an interesting spot to take another swing at tackle with Grant, but there are some concerns about the level of competition he faced at William & Mary.
Selection: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Full disclosure: Neal is one of my draft crushes in this 2025 class. I had the chance to see him in person in a late-season matchup with the Colorado Buffaloes. Neal rattled off 287 yards from scrimmage and had four touchdowns on the day. Kansas City needs to become faster offensively and while Neal doesn't have elite speed, he makes up for that with vision, patience, and his decision making.
He'd be a great fit for this offense and give the team some long-term security with a room comprised of a pair of injury-prone players (Isiah Pacheco and Elijah Mitchell) and an aging back in Kareem Hunt. He had excellent production during his tenure at Kansas and I believe that will translate at the next level.
PFF Draft Grades:
R1: 31 DI, Derrick Harmon, Oregon | A
R2: 63 CB, Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame | C
R3: 66 DE, Jordan Burch, Oregon | B
R4: 95 HB, Devin Neal, Kansas | C+
Overall Draft Grade: B
This would be a strong start to the 2025 NFL Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs. In the end, the Chiefs come away with three picks devoted to strengthening their Top 5 defense, along with a productive running back prospect who is a good fit for them offensively.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has done a solid job of eliminating glaring holes on the roster during the first wave of free agency. That gives him some freedom heading into the draft and reduces the likelihood he'll have to reach to fill a need.
Mock drafts invite criticism, so I'm anxious to hear which players you might've chosen at each spot. Leave a comment below to start the discussion! If you haven't already, try the draft mock simulator at Pro Football Focus—it's a great way to have fun with your own picks!