It's important to keep a proper perspective on things when discussing the Kansas City Chiefs' roster concerns and organizational issues. It's hard to critique a team that's made it to three consecutive Super Bowls (with two victories), and when doing so, it's key to remember that all franchises have their flaws.
But there's also no denying the Chiefs' offense has looked mortal lately. After years of fireworks with Patrick Mahomes under center, Kansas City's offense has put up rather average numbers over he last two seasons. Last year, the Chiefs were 15th in total points scored in the NFL and 16th in total yards. It's hard to look more middling than that.
The Chiefs are hoping to reverse course on some of those numbers and one good way to do so is to import a new crop of contributors via the NFL Draft. That's what Dane Brugler of The Athletic was thinking in his latest 7-round mock, so let's turn to the results to see what the roster would look like.
1st round (31) - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
With the selection of Josh Simmons in the first round in Brugler's mock, the Chiefs are making Patrick Mahomes' health and protection their primary offseason focus. Jaylon Moore was signed to give them a new floor at left tackle, but Simmons' presence provides a greater ceiling and security going forward.
It's possible that both Simmons and Moore could be important in the interim as a new left-side tandem, but let's not forget that Jawaan Taylor's departure could be in the cards in 2026. A first-round asset like Simmons would give the Chiefs some flexibility for the long term and keep Mahomes upright for years to come.
2nd round (63) - Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
It's impossible to deny Tre Harris's productivity last season as he averaged nearly 130 yards per game for the Rebels, and Mahomes would be happy to add a nice boundary option to the wide receiver room like this (who can also be moved around a bit).
The downside here is Harris's injury history, but the pick is worth the play for Veach to add Harris to a core of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. When paired with the tight ends on the roster as well. Mahomes would suddenly have a nice bouquet of pass catchers at his disposal.
3rd round (66) - Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Brett Veach can thank the Titans for this gift after the L'Jarius Sneed trade. Alfred Collins would go quite a bit higher in the draft if the interior lineman class wasn't so deep overall, but that works well for the Chiefs here as they grab Collins at the top of the third round.
With the addition of Collins, the team's run defense is considerably better and his presence gives them an instant starter inside next to Chris Jones for the next four seasons. Together with the re-signing of Mike Pennel and the addition of Jerry Tillery, the Chiefs put together a decent depth chart after losing Turk Wharton to the Panthers.
3rd round (95) - Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
The Chiefs add a bowling ball to the backfield at the bottom of the third round where Skattebo presents a nice value for Brett Veach. Skattebo is quick, tough, and punishing, and his presence would give the Chiefs a battering ram in the ground game that they've not had in Mahomes' tenure.
The downside here is that Skattebo's skill set is a bit repetitive with what they already have in house, although the floor would be higher here given his effectiveness. It'd be nice if the Chiefs could add a second back in the draft and find the dynamic tandem partner for a new era of thunder and lightning.
4th round (113) - Bryce Cabeldue, IOL, Kansas
Cabeldue comes to the NFL with a nice level of starting experience at Kansas, including a full season as a left tackle in 2024. That said, he's undoubtedly going to slide inside at the next level but brings positional versatility and multi-sport athleticism and footwork to the Chiefs here in this mock.
The Chiefs would be wise to add a mid-round pick to the competitive mix along the interior as they cross their fingers and hope Kingsley Suamataia or Hunter Nourzad can adequately replace Joe Thuney at left guard. Cabeldue gives them another option, further flexibility, and long-term strength inside.