It's quite possible the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft could make for a miserable viewing experience for Kansas City Chiefs fans. In the long run, it might be worth it,.
The Chiefs sit at No. 31 overall in the 2025 draft order for the opening round on Thursday, April 24, which positions them just in front of the Philadelphia Eagles with the penultimate selection. That's an intriguing time in this particular draft because it might be an in-demand spot for teams wanting to move up.
There are quarterback-needy teams who are hoping to find their future franchise signall caller in this year's draft class. However, the value might not be there at the top of the draft, where most teams with QB issues are making their picks. That's where the Chiefs' draft slot comes into play.
It wouldn't be fun to watch the Chiefs slide out of the first round but it could be worth it long term.
Every first-round pick comes with the potential of a fifth-year option, a contractual gift for teams who choose wisely with the opening selection. If that player is a hit at quarterback, that options becomes even more valuable. Which is why a team hoping to grab a second-tier quarterback might be interested in moving up from Friday's second round to secure the Chiefs' first choice at No. 31.
That's exactly what Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst, explained on the Pat McAfee Show recentlly, specifically with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
"I talked to another GM who said they could see Jalen Milroe going late in the first round..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 15, 2025
That's the kind of deal where you have a starter already and then in a few years Jalen Milroe is your guy" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/49892A08qH
MIlroe is slated to attend the draft in person, which is typically a sign that the prospect has been told he will be picked in the first round. (Otherwise, things get awkward.) Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss and Tyler Shough of Louisville are also potential late-first targets for teams. Even Colorado's Shedeur Sanders could end up sliding farther than expected.
All of this is important for the sake of the Chiefs' draft plans because a slide out of the first round could net a future draft asset worth the drop. It might also pick up an additional valuable pick or two in the current draft.
No one wants to stay up late watching the draft's first round only to see their favorite team fail to make any picks at all. The joy of watching the draft is celebrating the exciting new rookie additions to the roster. But if the Chiefs can still get a guy they love while adding additional draft help, that's a choice worth making.