What started as eight overall selections for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into 2025 NFL Draft weekend turned into, well, eight rookies. Despite trades up and down throughout the draft order, the Chiefs ended up bringing in eight new faces to comprise a long-term foundation for 2025 and beyond.
General manager Brett Veach enjoyed a productive weekend over the course of the three-day draft, putting together a class that focused heavily on the trenches. The class was led by the selection of Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons at the bottom of the first round.
With the picks officially in the rearview mirror, we wanted to offer our grades for every pick while including a bold prediction for each. Let's begin at the top.
Round 1 (No. 32 overall) - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
This pick was so obvious that every mock draft from Kiper to Brugler was saying the same thing (some exaggeration here, obviously). The Chiefs have to fix left tackle, and Jaylon Moore is just as much of a mystery as any draft choice. Jawaan Taylor is rehabbing a knee injury and could be released after this year.
The Chiefs simply had to address tackle and they did so by taking a potential top-five swing at No. 32 overall. That's an easy call.
Grade: A
Bold prediction: Simmons is starting on the Chiefs' line by October.
Round 2 (No. 63 overall) - Omarr Norman-Lott, DL, Tennessee
The Omarr Norman-Lott selection is a polarizing one for a couple of reasons. Not every scouting report reflected the same level of belief in the Tennessee lineman, and the Chiefs might have reached here a bit before a steep drop in interior line talent.
That said, Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Cullen undoubtedly had input here, and they must have witnessed some pro-ready traits in Norman-Lott to make him such an early pick here. It's easy to see how he could maintain his role as a rotational disruptor for the Chiefs on passing downs. You just have to ask if the Chiefs did some passing of their own here on other talent.
Grade: B-
Bold prediction: The Chiefs still make one more sizable preseason move to bolster DT.
Round 3 (No. 66 overall) - Ashton Gillotte, DE, Louisville
It's hard to deny the productivity of Ashton Gillotte over the last few years for the Cardinals. With 41 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks in 55 career games, Gillotte has a proven record of success in the opposing backfield. His relentless motor and incredible strength make up for his lack of length, which is why the Chiefs threw away their typical mold to make Gillotte their pick here. The Chiefs are suddenly very deep at defensive end.
Grade: B
Bold prediction: Gillotte will put up 15 pressures his rookie season while eventually supplanting Mike Danna by season's end.
Round 3 (No. 85 overall) - Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
One year before five defensive backs hit free agency at the same time, the Chiefs grab a strong, physical corner who fits right into what Spags asks of his secondary. He allowed a 40.1 passer rating last year and led the nation with 7 interceptions. Questions about speed and change of direction here, but plays the run well and has proven penchant for making game-altering plays. Can also factor in the return game.
Grade: A-
Bold prediction: Slots in as the fourth corner by mid-season.
Round 4 (No. 133 overall) - Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
While Veach waited quite some time before addressing the offense, he did so with one of the best value picks in the entire draft. Royals brings a physical presence that can play inside or outside at the pro level and should be a long-term factor for the team on offense and special teams as a returner. Explosive after the catch. Important insurance given injury questions around Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice.
Grade: A
Bold prediction: Royals becomes very important early given injury/suspension concerns in WR room.
Round 5 (No. 156 overall) - Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
Former safety-turned-linebacker immediately improves the Chiefs' coverage in the second level of the defense and gives them some insurance as Drue Tranquill turns 30 in August. The Chiefs also had a steep cliff from their starting linebackers to their backups. This pick is also a gift to Dave Toub given Bassa's years of core special teams experience.
Grade: B
Bold prediction: Bassa will earn immediate reps in coverage for Spags' sub-packages from Week 1.
Round 7 (No. 228 overall) - Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Veach will have his detractors for not going RB earlier in the draft, but Smith at No. 228 is a nice grab as a pass-catching back who should earn plenty of instant opportunities in a slow, one-note backfield that lacked dynamism. Technically, there's competition here from Elijah Mitchell (and others) but he's rarely healthy and Smith will be given every opportunity to win the battle for reps.
Grade: B+
Bold prediction: Smith has 40 receptions as a rookie back.