KC Chiefs 2025 mock draft brings exciting young playmakers on both sides of the ball

As the 2024 NFL regular season rapidly approaches, the college football campaign is also set to kick off. And with the return of the collegiate game comes a new crop of draft prospects, many of whom could end up suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs in the future.

Thanks to the L'Jarius Sneed trade last March, the Chiefs are slated to have four picks inside the top 100 next spring. That'll give them ample opportunity to further bolster an already great team. After all, Kansas City has been one of the league's premier drafting squads over the past couple of years, with their 2022 class playing a huge role in the team's back-to-back Super Bowl titles. If they can nail another strong draft in 2025, the future could be bright for the Chiefs.

Now, it's still early, but let's take a stab at a 2025 Kansas City Chiefs mock draft. What do you think their biggest needs will be next offseason, and which prospects could help fill those holes?

Round 1, Pick 32: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

I understand the eye-rolling from Chiefs fans over another first-round pass rusher, but there's good reason behind it. Charles Omenihu is a free agent in March and coming off a major injury, while Felix Anudike-Uzomah has been underwhelming so far. Mike Danna is solid but not elite. George Karlaftis is signed through 2025 (2026 if his 5th year option is picked up) and it's unknown whether the Chiefs are ready to pay him.

Meet Ashton Gillotte, a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line from Louisville. He has the size to play wherever he's needed up front, and he's a beast against the run - something we know Steve Spagnuolo loves. As Gillotte heads into his senior year, it'd be awesome to see him level up his pass-rushing game by adding some new moves and polishing his technique. Given Spags' fondness for versatile D-linemen, Gillotte could be just what the doctor ordered for Kansas City.

Round 2, Pick 64: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

In the Mahomes era, the Chiefs have lacked a true, consistent big-bodied "X" receiver, and Tory Horton could be the answer to that need. Horton has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Colorado State, showcasing his reliable hands with a respectable 4% drop rate, according to Pro Football Focus ($). He's demonstrated the ability to win at multiple levels of the field and line up both outside and in the slot. Horton was also a key contributor to CSU's screen game in 2023.

Now, Horton does need to expand his route tree and add some strength to his frame. But if he can make those improvements, he could be a solid selection for the Chiefs at pick 64, especially with the potential Rashee Rice suspension looming.

The Chiefs could use a big-bodied target to complement the skillsets of Rice and Xavier Worthy, and Horton has the tools to potentially fill that role. Sure, he's got some areas to refine, but the upside is clearly there for the taking at a second-round value. It's an intriguing prospect that Chiefs fans should keep an eye on as the draft approaches.

Round 3, Pick 68 (from Tennessee): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

It's fitting the Chiefs select a cornerback with the pick acquired from the Titans in the L'Jarius Sneed trade. Quincy Riley brings good length and has excelled in both man and zone coverage at Louisville, plus he has the ball skills Kansas City's corners have lacked. His recovery speed is also more than adequate.

However, Riley isn't the strongest or most technically refined prospect. He'll need to get stronger and clean up his technique, especially if the Chiefs want to play him outside. It's also worth noting he's an older prospect, entering his sixth collegiate season.

Still, the pick makes sense for the Chiefs. Both Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are entering contract years in 2025 and Trent McDuffie is due for a significant raise in the coming years, so adding depth and talent at corner is crucial. And in today's pass-heavy NFL, you can never have too many quality cornerbacks. While Riley isn't perfect, the upside is there for him to develop into a valuable piece in the Chiefs' secondary if coached up properly.

Round 3, Pick 96: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

With Isiah Pacheco hitting free agency after 2025, the Chiefs wisely grab another backfield weapon to support Patrick Mahomes. Enter Donovan Edwards. He can serve as the receiving back to complement Pacheco's skill set. Pacheco can handle the short-yardage and early-down work, while the versatile Edwards can bolster the passing attack.

While Edwards' pass-blocking and vision need some refinement, his prowess as a pass-catcher is undeniable. Add him to the likes of Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and Tory Horton around Mahomes, and that's a recipe for fireworks.

Sure, running back may not be the flashiest need, but the Chiefs would be smart to continue stockpiling offensive talent around their superstar QB. Edwards has the tools to be a dynamic weapon in their high-octane attack, making this an astute addition for the future.