NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who are the Chiefs taking?

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

There's a reason why the teams with the most sustained success seem to refill the trenches every year in the draft. The Chiefs have gone defensive line in recent years, but perhaps it's time to go with an early offensive tackle after flirting with veterans and mid-round picks to get it done at left tackle for the last few years.

Hunter Haas of NFL Mocks has the Chiefs landing Amarius Mims out of Georgia at the tail end of the first round in 2024. The frame is there with Mims at 6'7", 340 lbs. and there's plenty of pre-draft buzz as well. Mel Kiper loves him and he's not the only one, but the problem here is that Mims is just now finding a starting role for himself on such a deep team. That doesn't mean he won't dominate but other linemen come with plenty of game tape and experience upon which to rely. This pick would be a lot of projection.

As for the positional need, Donovan Smith is a free agent and there's a need at left tackle. Will Wanya Morris grow into a greater role? Does Prince Tega Wanogho have some real potential? Is Lucas Niang hanging around for good reason? Yes, a new left tackle will be needed if Morris is not ready.

Verdict: Offensive tackle is certainly a long-term need and that's what you want to fix here with a first-round pick, but two swing-and-misses in the third round with Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang would be frustrating if the best of both of those would be a swing tackle role.