It's finally here. The much anticipated (and expanded) College Football Playoff. For draft prospects, this gives them an opportunity to shine on the brightest stage and perhaps showcase their skills one last time. For most NFL teams, the season is already over and draft prep has begun.
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a position to hopefully clinch the bye week on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would allow Patrick Mahomes' ankle to heal.
By now, the Chiefs' draft needs have clarified themselves quite a bit. There's always free agency for the team to address some of these concerns, but for the most part, we know what they will be in the market for in late April.
Chiefs Kingdom can safely assume (as always) that tackle and wide receiver are still draft needs. Defensive line, corner, and linebacker are also needed as well. The Chiefs also have potential needs at safety, running back, and interior offensive line. In other words, they can probably take any position other than quarterback.
As you watch the first round of the CFP, let's take a look at some draft prospects that could be a fit for the Chiefs.
Friday, Dec. 20: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
A converted wide receiver, Xavier Watts brings ball-hawking skills with a flair for big plays. At 6 ft., 203 lbs., he's solid against the run and tackles well. However, he's not limited to playing in the box.
Watts has strong eyes for route development and holds up well in coverage. He can play in the box or as a deep safety in most schemes. He is also an explosive athlete who will test well, which means there's a decent chance he will hear his name called very early on Day 2. At times his aggressiveness can get him in trouble playing downhill, but for the most part, he is a very complete prospect.
With Justin Reid likely heading to free agency, the Chiefs will still have three safeties on the roster with Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, and Jaden Hicks. Cook will be in his final year of control and Connor has mostly played in the slot. A pairing of Hicks and Watts could be a versatile and nasty tandem to the Chiefs secondary.
Mikail Kamara, ED, Indiana
It's a testament to what Curt Cignetti has done with the Indiana program to have them in the CFP with so few notable draft prospects.
Mikail Kamara has turned some heads this year by logging 10 sacks and 34 pressures on 370 pass-rush snaps. Physically (at 6-1, 265 lbs.), Kamara isn't going to fit some measurable thresholds that some teams have for edge rushers. However, when you watch him play, he's so slippery and fast that it's hard not to envision him rushing the passer. Likely a day 3 prospect, Kamara could be a pass rush specialist for a defense looking for more juice on passing downs.
The Chiefs keep taking shots on these smaller, bendy edge rushers. Joshua Uche, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, BJ Thompson, and Joshua Kaindoh all have been acquired by Brett Veach's front office. Clearly, the Chiefs have some desire to get this type of edge rusher even though almost none of them see regular playing time. Maybe Kamara is the one who works.
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State | 12 p.m. | TNT/MAX
Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
The 2025 draft class is loaded with running back talent, and Singleton is just another guy who could be an impact runner for a team out of the class.
Singleton brings an explosive and versatile presence to an offense. His 1,173 yards from scrimmage, including over 330 yards receiving, make him an ideal fit for a modern NFL offense. Singleton has the ability to cut and weave through the smallest gaps. He's also flashed as a pass blocker. Overall, the main concerns for him are ball security and consistency from week to week.
The Chiefs have seen the impact that running back injuries can have on their roster and the importance of having multiple backs that can carry the load. With Pacheco ending his rookie contract in 2025 and the highly unstable running back position, the Chiefs should be looking to upgrade the position overall in order to plan for the long term. Singleton can be a quality back in the league.
Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Another back, Smith is a different fit but still could have a role in a passing down situation. Smith is 5-10 and 190 lbs., and his frame provides high-level acceleration, burst, and short-area quickness. He's a strong receiver out of the backfield and displays excellent vision. With over 1,550 yards from scrimmage, he's been highly productive for the SMU offense. With his size, he's not going to be breaking lots of tackle and there are some workload concerns but his dynamic ability could have him be an impact change of pace back.
Smith's role in the Chiefs offense would likely look similar to that of Jerick McKinnon, who was another undersized back. The Chiefs will also prioritize speed for their skill position players. There's a chance Smith is the fastest back in the class which, of course, will pique the interest of Veach. Smith could be a real weapon in the screen game, too.
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas | 4 p.m. | TNT/MAX
Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
The Chiefs have already begun replacing Travis Kelce's production in the aggregate with an extension for Noah Gray, who is having his best season. Rookie Jared Wiley's season was cut short due to an ACL tear, but the Chiefs will look to continue getting more youth at the position.
Helm projects as a traditional Y-TE that can play inline and pass protect but also provide juice as a receiver. Helm is really strong at the catch point with great hands and surprising athleticism. He's not going to wow as a route runner or as a separator, but his pass blocking will help him find the field quickly as a 3rd or 4th tight end.
In a post-Kelce world, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, and Gunnar Helm create a 13-personnel package that you can trust and still keep defenses honest. The Chiefs aren't going to find the next Travis Kelce but they can get well-rounded players to replace his production. For years, the Chiefs have had tight ends who mostly pose no threat as a pass catcher and are blocking only. This new look TE room can change that.
Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Barrett Carter is a rangy and versatile linebacker. He projects as a weak-side linebacker with coverage ability, recording 11 pass breakups since 2022.
At 6-1 and 230 lbs., Carter is slightly undersized which has led to some issues with missed tackles. He returned to school last year to the surprise to some. He's cleaned up the missed tackles and has continued to be an impact player in coverage, especially against tight ends.
The Chiefs have a decision to make with Nick Bolton. Having Drue Tranquill locked up through 2027 gives the Chiefs some flexibility, especially with his ability to move to the mike backer role. If Bolton hits free agency, the Chiefs could roll out Carter, Tranquill, and Chenal in base in 2025.
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State | 8 p.m. | ESPN
James Pearce Jr, ED, Tennessee
Pearce projects as an impact pass rusher with elite speed and pass rush package. He does more than just speed rush, though; he uses his hands well and can convert speed to power.
At 6-5 and 240 LBS, Pearce is going to be a strong tester at the Combine, but there are concerns about his ability to set the edge against the run. We've seen traits like these go in the first round (Nolan Smith) even though they may be limited to the pass rush role only.
As we discussed with Mikail Kamara, the Chiefs have shown an interest year after year in bendy speed rushers for pass-rushing downs. I'd be surprised if the Chiefs invested a pick that high on a guy like Pearce but there is a chance he's just such a value that they can't pass up on him.
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Headed into 2024, you could find Burke mocked into the first round of many mock drafts. However, this year, the OSU corner has not fulfilled those expectations for him.
Burke has struggled in some big games and big moments both with coverage and penalties. With that being said he's a former 4-star with pedigree and just a year ago could've been a candidate to go around pick 32. Burke is a high-level athlete with the ability to play press and off man coverage. He is scheme versatile and supports the run well. The downside is that he's found himself in trouble gambling on plays trying to make a play on the ball at times and gets choppy with his footwork.
The Chiefs have drafted a lot of talented corners and turned them into quality starters. Burke has the size needed to play on the outside and has played against top competition year after year. There's a chance Burke lands in the right spot and is a steal at his draft position. The Chiefs have had some misses recently with Kamal Hadden and Nic Jones. The Chiefs have a big need with Watson, William, Cook, and Johnson all hitting free agency after 2025. Burke could factor into a starting role quickly and be a long-term answer as well.