After making almost-consecutive picks in the fourth round, the Kansas City Chiefs were back to make their next selection in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 159 overall. Brett Veach then submitted the pick of Hunter Nourzad, an offensive lineman at Penn State.
Despite already making three picks on the offensive side in four selections, the Chiefs bolstered the line with another choice up front with Nourzad.
Brett Veach and the Chiefs added Hunter Nourzad in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nourzad profiles as an interior lineman at the pro level despite also having tackle experience in his collegiate history at Cornell before transferring to Penn State. As a fifth-year senior, he started every game at center for the Nittany Lions after starting 20 games at right tackle at Cornell earlier in his career.
The Chiefs definitely needed some help along the offensive interior after losing Nick Allegretti in free agency. Nourzad should compete with Mike Caliendo in the preseason for that active roster spot behind Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith. If he develops well, things could be interesting as Smith hits free agency.
So far in the draft, the Chiefs have added two weapons on offense in the form of Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy and TCU tight end Jared Wiley. They also bolstered the offensive line with BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia. On defense, they've kept a young secondary loaded with talent with Jaden Hicks with their lone defensive pick.
The Chiefs are scheduled to make two more selections in the 2024 NFL Draft:
- Sixth round - No. 211 (via SF)
- Seventh round - No. 248 (via BUF)