The 2025 NFL Draft is just a mere three weeks away. As the hype grows, so does the quantity of mock drafts. While it's fun to predict what the Kansas City Chiefs and other teams will do in the draft, it's even more fun to dream of a perfect scenario for the Chiefs. That said, we won't dream too big here (so no Travis Hunter available at No. 31 overall in this mock draft).
If you're interested in learning more about these prospects or where they rank, check out our Chiefs-specific big board. Now on with a picture-perfect mock draft for the Chiefs.
Round 1, Pick 31 - Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
It's not crazy to think that Nolen could be available at pick 31. There have been some questions about his makeup during the process. While Nolen hasn't had any sort of legal troubles, some teams wonder about his motivation and dedication. That said, there were some similar concerns about players such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jalen Carter.
Talent-wise, Nolen is a top-15 talent in this draft class. It's just finding the right fit and culture for him. Placing him in a winning culture, paired with a superstar like Chris Jones at the same position, is an ideal fit.
The Chiefs' defensive line is essentially the same as last year, except they swapped Derrick Nnadi for Jerry Tillery. While the Chiefs' pass rush was average last year, you can't expect a step forward from the same cast another year older. Nolen raises the floor of the defensive line and brings a true threat on passing downs and quality run defense.
Shades of: Jalen Carter
Round 2, Pick 63 - Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Tre Harris has been one of the most efficient receivers in college football over the last two years. He's a prototypical X receiver who can function as a power slot as well. He's explosive after the catch, has sufficient speed, is competitive at the catch point, and is a decent blocker as well.
One downside with Harris is that the Ole Miss offense is pretty simple for receivers. That means there's not a large sample of complex route-running from him.
The Chiefs are relying on Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce as their primary pass catchers in 2025. There's quite a bit of risk in that group when you factor in injury history, age, size, and potential suspensions. It's easy to see a scenario where the Chiefs are without a combination of Brown, Rice, and/or Worthy for several games.
Harris is not only depth for the room but also brings more explosiveness to the X role. Harris, Brown, and Worthy are the future of the offense, and they all complement each other well with unique skill sets.
Shades of: A young JuJu Smith-Schuster
Round 3, Pick 66 - TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson brings an explosive skill set to the running back position. His speed and lateral agility make one missed tackle the difference between 5 yards or 50. He's been highly effective in the screen game, and he is one of the best pass-protecting running backs we've seen come out of college. He's got excellent vision and a top gear that few backs have in the league.
There are some injury concerns around his career. Also, despite being so effective in passing situations, he's not been much of a route runner beyond screens and passes into the flats.
Henderson is the exact type of back Andy Reid would love for his offense, given his dynamism and quality pass protection. Henderson would be a perfect complement to Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
Now there are some questions if he can be an every-down back, but we've seen players like Jahmyr Gibbs or even Jerick McKinnon have a big impact on an offense in a part-time role.
Shades of: Jerick McKinnon
Round 3, Pick 95 - Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Andrew Mukuba profiles as a play-making free safety who's a willing tackler known for his big plays on the ball in his final year of school.
As a former top recruit, Mukuba's athleticism pops all over his game tape. His transitions are incredibly smooth, and he plays much bigger than his 5-11, 186 lb. frame. He has the range, vision, and instincts to be a day-one contributor on a defense.
The Chiefs, for the first time, are going young at the safety position under Steve Spagnuolo. For his entire tenure, the Chiefs have had Tyrann Mathieu or Justin Reid leading the back end of the defense for the last six seasons. Bryan Cook hasn't proven to be a player likely set for an extension beyond this season.
Mukuba and Hicks are the future of the position in this mock that brings explosive athleticism to the Chiefs' secondary.
Shades of: Budda Baker
Round 4, Pick 133- Sai'Vion Jones, ED, LSU
Strength and length are the best traits that Sai'vion Jones brings to the table. He's an attacking and penetrating edge rusher who disrupts the game with a bull rush, hand chop, and non-stop motor.
At 6-5 280 LBS. Jones's burst is limited, but make no mistake, he is still a high-level athlete. With a 4.74-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 9'11" broad jump, there's plenty of explosiveness in his game.
Jones meets all the traditional thresholds for a Steve Spagnuolo edge rusher. He is a day-one ready run defender with the motor and power to collapse the pocket regularly. He is also a high-floor prospect who can find playing time early with his run defense and ability to rush all across the defensive line.
With Charles Omenihu on a one-year deal and Felix Anudike-Uzomah not yet taking the next step, there are snaps to be had.
Shades of: A.J. Epenesa
Round 7, Pick 226- Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Right now, Hollin Pierce is just an athletic ball of clay and traits. The traits are special, though. At 6-8, 341 lbs., and with 36-inch arms, he was built to play tackle. Pierce has also played both right and left tackle during his college career. The power he possesses at the point of attack is rare, but the fluidity and pass sets are raw to say the least.
If the Chiefs aren't investing a Day 1 or 2 pick into tackle, they might as well take a flyer on another project. Pierce has elite traits that are worth developing. Put him on the bench for a year and hope he can grow into something useful.
Shades of: Kiran Amegadjie
Round 7, Pick 251- Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Yes, this is the guy from the video game cover who scored a touchdown in the National Championship. How is he available this late in the draft? Well, he lost his job as the starter this year and never really bounced back.
Edwards has always been explosive but his vision is below average. He's not been able to take hold of a passing-down role either. Without the threat of the passing game of the National Champion Wolverines team, Edwards took a big step back in 2024.
The Chiefs have taken two running backs in this mock because Henderson might not be the type of player you want taking a full workload. Also, Pacheco hasn't gone through a season healthy yet. Kareem Hunt, while reliable, is aging, and Elijah Mitchell hasn't played a solid amount of snaps since 2021. Edwards can at least bring what Isiah Pacheco brought to the Chiefs' run game throughout his rookie contract, which allows Henderson to be the change-of-pace back.
Shades of: Isiah Pacheco
Round 7, Pick 257- Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo
At 6'0, 223 lbs., Dolac is a smaller linebacker that profiles as a weakside defender. He was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in tackles (82), tackles for a loss (19), interceptions (5), return yards (177), and defensive touchdowns (1).
Dolac did a little bit of everything for Buffalo, including rushing the passer and recording 11 sacks in the last three seasons. His 9.00 relative athletic score makes him a high-floor prospect who could develop into a contributor on defense.
The Chiefs have their starting linebackers, but it would be nice to have some depth beyond former undrafted free agent Jack Cochrane. Dolac would be a five-phase special teamer to start, but he could eventually take over the weakside role once Drue Tranquill's contract runs out if he can prove his worth. A nice upside play from a player who dominated the MAC and has NFL traits.
Shades of: Duke Riley