2024 NFL Draft: 2 draft crushes in each round for the Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite Targets for the Chiefs at Pick #32 (1st Round)

Jer'Zhan Newton - DT - Illinois - 6'2" - 295 pounds

Consensus Draft Board Ranking - 21

Much like Olu Fashanu, early in the draft process, it appeared that Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton would go much too high for the Chiefs to realistically draft, but now his stock seems to be sliding for no other reason than other prospects seem to be getting more buzz right now. Newton may not be the biggest defensive tackle or an overly dominant run-stopper, but he terrorizes quarterbacks from the interior.

Over his final two college seasons, Newton put up an incredible 64 total quarterback hurries. If he slides far enough for the Chiefs to get their hands on him and pair him with Chris Jones on passing downs, it would be an absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Troy Franklin - WR - Oregon - 6'1" - 176 pounds

Consensus Draft Board Ranking - 39

Many fans and experts aren't as high on Troy Franklin because of his lean build. I get the play strength concerns on contested catches, but that's not really Franklin's game. He's one of the best receivers in this class at getting himself open, both through his releases and his route running. I think he'd thrive in Andy Reid's offense, which is designed to get players into space, and Patrick Mahomes prefers throwing to guys who have created separation. If you put Franklin with those two, it would be a match made in heaven and he'd be a perennial 1000-yard receiver. Other wideouts may be more popular here, but Franklin is my favorite match for the Chiefs.