Now that the frenzy of NFL free agency has wanted, we're shifting our focus to draft season. The 2025 NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday, April 24th at 7 PM Central and run through Saturday, April 26th.
This year, the Kansas City Chiefs hold eight picks in the draft. They have their original selections in rounds 1-4, along with Tennessee's third-round pick, Carolina's seventh-round pick, and two compensatory picks following the seventh round—including the very final pick of the draft. Due to various trades, they no longer have their own selections in rounds 5-7.
Over the next six weeks, you'll be bombarded with countless mock drafts from numerous sources, but today we're taking a unique approach. We're creating a mock draft where we select exclusively defensive players.
This defense-only strategy aligns with recent comments from Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who has openly stated that he believes this draft class is stronger on the defensive side than the offensive side. Veach, typically transparent about the team's thinking, seems to be signaling that Kansas City anticipates selecting more defensive players than offensive ones.
Without further delay, let's dive into our all-defense mock draft. (Note: I will be using Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft Simulator and will not be making any trades.)
Round 1, Pick 31 - Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
At this point, the Chiefs' greatest need outside of potentially adding another offensive weapon is strengthening their defensive line.
Last month, Arrowhead Addict's own Price Carter highlighted why Nic Scourton would be an excellent fit in Kansas City. Scourton offers a high floor thanks to his strong run defense, while his ceiling remains relatively high for a player potentially available at the 31st pick.
Texas A&M's unorthodox defensive scheme required their linemen to do things not many other programs did. While this may have limited Scourton's production, it presents an opportunity the Chiefs could capitalize on if he's still on the board at pick 31.
Round 2, Pick 63 - Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
Despite having Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on the roster and recently signing Kristian Fulton, Benjamin Morrison is too tempting to pass up at this spot. The cornerback position remains a priority considering McDuffie is likely to command a massive contract extension either this offseason or next, Watson will hit free agency in a year, and Fulton is only committed to a two-year deal with his fit in Kansas City still unproven.
Morrison stands out as one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class. Before the season, he was widely regarded as a star on Notre Dame's talented defense, with many analysts projecting him as a first-round selection. His stock has slipped primarily because he appeared in just six games due to his second hip surgery, causing some teams to hesitate. However, the Chiefs should view this as an opportunity.
While Morrison's durability concerns present some risk, he possesses the ideal traits for a boundary man-coverage cornerback. He features the arm length and football IQ that Steve Spagnuolo covets, along with the ball skills that would only enhance Kansas City's secondary. Beyond his hip injury, Morrison occasionally gets overaggressive with his hands, resulting in penalties, but this shouldn't deter the Chiefs from selecting him with the 63rd pick.
Round 3, Pick 66 - Elijah Roberts, Defensive Lineman, Southern Methodist
The Chiefs continue reinforcing their defensive line by adding another impact pass-rusher. Elijah Roberts brings a combination of strength and explosiveness, along with the positional versatility to line up anywhere across the defensive front. While likely not sizable enough to serve as an every-down defensive tackle, he possesses the pass-rushing prowess to challenge guards and centers when hunting quarterbacks.
Although Roberts primarily played on the edge at SMU, he lacks the ideal bend to be exclusively deployed as a defensive end. However, this aligns perfectly with Kansas City's preference for versatile pass-rushers who can be moved around the formation. Roberts has demonstrated consistent production at SMU over multiple seasons, accumulating 7.5 and 9.5 sacks in his last two campaigns, while earning impressive 90.0+ PFF pass-rushing grades in both 2023 and 2024 ($).
Round 3, Pick 95 - Jamaree Caldwell, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
The Chiefs continue to stock up on defensive linemen but pivot to a true nose tackle with Jamaree Caldwell. Despite his 340-pound frame, Caldwell displays surprising mobility and quickness off the snap. He projects as a rotational run defender with untapped potential as a pass rusher.
Caldwell will likely serve as an anchor against the run and provide the space-eating presence Kansas City needs in the middle. Though he recorded zero sacks in 2024, he possesses pass-rushing techniques the Chiefs could develop. His ability to affect passing lanes is evident in his four batted passes last season.
While his arm length isn't ideal, this limitation is less significant for an interior defensive lineman. Caldwell has the potential to be an upgraded version of Derrick Nnadi, who recently departed for the Jets.
Round 4, Pick 133 - Billy Bowman Jr., Safety, Oklahoma
With Justin Reid's departure in free agency, the Chiefs could benefit from adding another safety to their secondary. While Jaden Hicks appears ready to take a significant step forward in his second season, Bryan Cook is entering the final year of his contract, and Kansas City was vulnerable against deep passing plays over the middle last season.
Adding Billy Bowman, who excels in a "center field" role, would help minimize such explosive plays. Though slightly undersized and not elite as a tackler, Bowman compensates with the speed necessary to provide valuable deep coverage ability.
Round 7, Pick 226 - Smael Mondon Jr., Linebacker, Georgia
With Leo Chenal headed for free agency after the 2025 season, the Chiefs secure a potential replacement in Smael Mondon Jr. Mondon possesses exceptional explosiveness, elite tackling ability, and the coverage skills to match up with tight ends. However, his limitations include processing speed, his smaller frame, and a concerning injury history throughout his college career. He projects as an immediate special teams contributor with the potential to develop into a rotational linebacker role.
Round 7, Pick 251 - Dan Jackson, Safety, Georgia
The Chiefs select another Georgia defender in the seventh round, securing longtime Bulldog Dan Jackson. He brings a fearless, physical presence at safety with the football IQ and motor that Kansas City values. While Jackson lacks the elite athleticism and consistent tackling ability needed for an immediate defensive role, he possesses the traits to become a valuable special teams contributor at the professional level.
Round 7, Pick 257 - Jabbar Muhammad, Cornerback, Oregon
Kansas City secures their second Oregon Duck of the draft in cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. Muhammad has a versatile skill set that fits the Chiefs' defensive philosophy perfectly.
During his time at Oregon, Muhammad demonstrated flexibility by playing outside cornerback, in the slot, and even in the box, while displaying more refined coverage technique than typical seventh-round cornerbacks.
Despite not recording any interceptions this past season, Muhammad exhibits reliable ball skills. His issues are that he's undersized (standing just 5'10" and 185 pounds), possesses average long speed, and has shown inconsistent tackling ability (14%+ missed tackle rate from 2021 through 2023, PFF ($))—explain why he projects as a Day 3 selection rather than an immediate starter. However, given Kansas City's proven track record of cornerback development, Muhammad could become another defensive secondary success story.