With the primary wave of free agency now complete, it's time to turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft.
This year, the Kansas City Chiefs hold eight picks in the draft. They have their original selections in rounds 1-4, along with Tennessee's third-round pick, Carolina's seventh-round pick, and two compensatory picks following the seventh round—including the very final pick of the draft. Due to various trades, they no longer have their own selections in rounds 5-7.
In addition, for the first time since 1993, every NFL team holds their first-round pick in March of this year's draft. Whether that will remain true on draft day remains to be seen.
With at least one trade involving a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft likely to occur between now and draft night, let's explore a trade-centric mock draft. In this scenario, every single current Chiefs draft pick will be traded in some capacity.
Round 1, Pick 26 (from LA Rams) - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Trade: The Chiefs trade Picks 31 and 95 to the Rams in exchange for Picks 26 and 202
The Chiefs move up to land one of the draft's best wide receivers. Golden is a polished route runner with inside/outside versatility who can create separation at all three levels. With Xavier Worthy's future uncertain, Rashee Rice recovering from a major injury, and Travis Kelce likely entering his final NFL season, adding another weapon for Patrick Mahomes makes sense.
Round 2, Pick 57 (from LA Rams via Carolina) - Jared Ivey, DL, Ole Miss
The Trade: The Chiefs trade Picks 63 and 66 to the Panthers in exchange for Picks 57, 74, and 114
Beyond Nick Bolton and blitzing, there's nothing Steve Spagnuolo loves more than defensive linemen with position versatility—a trait Jared Ivey embodies perfectly. While primarily serving as a defensive end in Kansas City's system, he can shift inside on obvious passing downs. Solid against the run and offering much-needed explosiveness, Ivey would energize KC's defensive front.
Round 3, Pick 74 (from Panthers) - R.J. Harvey, RB, Central Florida
Pick acquired in the previous trade with Carolina
Kansas City had difficulty generating explosive plays in both the rushing and passing games last year. They've already added a wide receiver, and now it's time to bolster the running game. R.J. Harvey is an effective runner in zone schemes, possesses good speed, and can make tacklers miss in both the running and passing games. While he's not the best downfield runner, he would still be a solid addition to the Chiefs' backfield.
Round 3, Pick 96 (from Eagles) - Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
The Trade: The Chiefs trade Picks 114, 133, 226, and 257 to the Eagles in exchange for Picks 96 and 168
The Chiefs trade up to secure Justin Reid's replacement. Andrew Mukuba brings exceptional athleticism as a true free safety who can bolster Kansas City's defense against deep passes over the middle. Though his lack of physicality might concern K.C., Mukuba would still be a solid fit in Spagnuolo's defense.
Round 5, Pick 168 (from Eagles) - Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Pick acquired in the previous trade with Philadelphia
The Chiefs add a true defensive tackle to help support Chris Jones. Tim Smith is a solid run defender who needs to develop as a pass rusher. Given how Kansas City lost Derrick Nnadi to the Jets, Tershawn Wharton to the Panthers, and Mike Pennel is in his mid-30s, it would be wise for the team to add body to the depth chart.
Round 6, Pick 202 (from Texans via LA Rams) - Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
Pick acquired in previous trade with the Rams
The Chiefs grab a developmental linebacker. Leo Chenal is set to be a free agent after 2025 and Drue Tranquill will be 30 in August. Jamon Dumas-Johnson needs to develop his instincts, but he's a physical tackler and productive blitzer. He'll likely be relegated to a special teams role in 2025, but could develop into a solid rotational linebacker.