Mock drafts are a dime a dozen, but certain takes will always generate considerable interest and Mel Kiper Jr.'s name is at the top of that list. The mock-father has been around since the NFL Draft was an overlooked event on the league's spring calendar. His latest mock draft is a two-round affair that will interest Kansas City Chiefs fans looking for an offensive lift.
The latest mock draft from Kiper has the Chiefs bolstering the offense in both rounds, which might disappoint those looking for the next great cornerback or defensive lineman. That said, there's no denying K.C.'s offense has looked pretty uninspiring for the last two seasons—which feels like a crime given that they boast the presence of Patrick Mahomes under center.
Chiefs fans who want to surround Patrick Mahomes with more talent, you might like Kiper's latest mock.
First, Kiper makes sure that Mahomes has more protection up front with the selection of Josh Simmons at No. 31 overall. The Chiefs have to wait until the bottom of the first round in order to make their selection, but Kiper projects a new tackle option out of Ohio State to help keep Mahomes upright for years to come.
Simmons is coming off of a serious injury, but that's exactly what might give the Chiefs the chance to even select him in the first place. As Kiper notes, "If Simmons didn't injure his knee last October, we might not be having this conversation -- because his projection might be closer to the top 10."
The idea of the Chiefs adding a premium tackle is a major gift in the first round, assuming all things work out as hoped. Chiefs GM Brett Veach is rolling the dice on Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year deal to come over from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, at left tackle. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor is a candidate to be released following the 2025 season, which means K.C. could be looking at two new tackles going forward.
As for the second pick in Kiper's mock, the Chiefs are projected to take Kaleb Johnson, a running back out of Iowa. After rushing for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, Johnson would immediately slot himself into the top of the depth chart for the Chiefs given the need at the position,.
The Chiefs did add Elijah Mitchell in free agency as a speedy back hoping to reset his value on a one-year deal. Kareem Hunt is back for another year in K.C. after a nice reunion last season. Isiah Pacheco is also coming into his contract season, which gives the Chiefs a nice trio. But Johnson's presence would put the unit over the top and provide reliable production in the face of injury and age concerns.