For most well-adjusted people, the draft starts when their team is eliminated from the playoffs or maybe even after free agency. For me, the draft starts in July. I've been following this talented class for almost a year now: doing mock drafts, watching as many games as possible, and breaking down all-22.
As the big day draws closer and closer I've developed some favorite players for the Chiefs. Last year some of my favorite players were Puka Nacua, Jayden Reed, and Sydney Brown. Of course, like every good draft analyst we're only going to talk about the hits and forget about the misses!
This list of players comes from all over the draft board. A few will hear their name called in the 1st round and other might have to wait till Day 3. These are players that I've come to love and would pound the table for the Chiefs to draft.
1. Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Washington's offense was appointment viewing and it wasn't just because of Odunze, Polk and McMillan. Fautanu was the leader of the top offensive line in college football this year. Since watching him from day 1, I've clamored for him to stay at tackle, though most thought he would be a guard. After an excellent combine, most teams now believe he could play all five spots along the OL. He should be a left tackle at the next level but because of his height at 6'3", he really could play anywhere along the line. Which is part of why I love him is because his floor is so high. Also, the lineman aesthetic with the gut out, it's poetry in motion.
2. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Nothing brings people together like adversity and Troy Franklin and I have been through it. Before the combine, Franklin was frequently mocked well before the Chiefs picked. He was highly productive in college, had elite speed, and ran quality routes. However, after a lackluster combine, people have swung too far in the other direction with him. Franklin is bigger than Hollywood Brown or Xavier Worthy, so don't use size as a reason why he shouldn't be a Chief. He's not a perfect prospect but Kansas City could have real interest in him at the end of round one or in round two.
3. Maason Smith, IDL, LSU
I'm always a sucker for a 5-star recruit. When I watch Smith, I just can't help but see shades of Chris Jones—his 6'5, 306 lb. frame is built similarly to Jones'. He worked with Matt House (former Chiefs coach) at LSU and Joe Cullen even took some time to work with him. Smith is coming off a torn ACL in 2022, which no doubt hampered his 2023 production. The traits are worth the wait. Getting him in KC to work with Jones and Cullen would be a dream come true.
4. Ben Sinott, TE, Kansas State
It's hard to not love the way Ben Sinnott plays football. He's a bowling ball with the ball in his hands. He has lined up at fullback, inline as a tight end, or out wide even. He is a high-level athlete at the position who can fill numerous needs in an offense. For the Chiefs, he can be an instant upgrade over Blake Bell and fill some full-back duties that they used with Burton/Sherman. I love betting on his athleticism and YAC to develop into a complete blocker and route runner.
5. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Cam Hart stands 6'3" and 203 lbs. yet hit 23MPH on the GPS tracker and is on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List". There's lots to like about Hart andhis physical profile compares most to Lonnie Johnson (on the Chiefs for a camp) and Joshua Williams. Voted a team captain by his peers, Hart was also a regular on special teams. There are some concerns about his shoulder injury but if the medicals check out, he could make lots of sense in KC.
6. Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
At 5'8" and 190 lbs., Washington defines "playing bigger than his size." When you watch him you will be surprised at how tough he is after the catch or at the catch point. Washington has excellent hands and terrific short-area quickness. He was first-team Alll-ACC, a team captain, and a returner for special team units as well. His frame and long speed are average but if you listen to Washington in interviews he's impossible to not root for.
7. Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
Trevin Wallace ranked 14 on Bruce Feldman's freaks list. He's 6'1", 237 lbs., and has been clocked at 22MPH on GPS. He's a heat-seeking missile on the field who routinely punishes offensive linemen 100 lbs. heavier than him. He's a see-and-chase backer at this point, so he's going to need NFL coaching to help with the cerebral part of the game. However, he has all the traits to be an above-average cover backer. Impact special teams player. With LB play just take traits and develop them.
8. Tanor Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin
Bortolini is known in this draft class for his positional versatility. He's taken meaningful snaps at guard, center, and tackle throughout his career at Wisconsin. While that is certainly a reason to love him, I also love his lateral agility. He posted the best short shuttle time of the offensive linemen, a drill that is highly associated with successful OL picks. Bortolini's intelligence on and off the field (recruited by Yale and Harvard) makes him an ideal swing and eventual starter along the interior.
9. Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington
Built like a true three-down back, Johnson has pass-catching and protection skills that are ideal for the NFL. He has great vision and experience with running outside zone (principal for the Chiefs run game). He's not the fastest or most explosive but he runs angry and fights for every yard. I love Johnson as the backup to Pacheco and working into the team's third-down back role.
10. Jarius Monroe, CB, Tulane
The Chiefs might be able to wait until their last pick or even after the draft for Monroe, but I still love him. Popped for me watching Tulane games this year on the broadcast and then he stood out at the Shrine Bowl. Physical and aggressive at the line of scrimmage with great ball skills. His size and length are ideal for the Chiefs but the long speed could be an issue. Might mix in at safety too. Monroe could be the next chapter in the Chiefs' story of defensive back success.