The 2025 NFL Draft is less than a month away, and for most Kansas City Chiefs fans, opinions on what KC should do in the draft are heavily influenced by where fans see the biggest weaknesses in the roster. The same can be said for many "draft experts" who like to make their mock draft predictions based on how they see a team's roster. Among both of these groups, there seems to be a growing consensus that the Chiefs have a major need at defensive tackle next to Chris Jones and should strongly consider drafting one in the first round. I just don't believe that to be true.
Now, before anyone completely writes me off as a crazy person, let me clarify one important point. I am in favor of the Chiefs drafting the absolute best player on the board with pick 31. Period. If a player like Kenneth Grant or Walter Nolen were to make it to pick 31, I would not only be okay with it—I would be thrilled—because I think they're both great players who would be tremendous value at the back of the first round. My argument isn't that the Chiefs shouldn't consider a defensive tackle at 31; it's that they shouldn't feel any pressure to do so because the need is not as big as many are making it out to be.
I can already hear some of your arguments: "Right now, the Chiefs' defensive tackles are basically Chris Jones and a bunch of replacement-level players." To which my response is: correct, which is no different from the last couple of seasons, and the defense has been fine. Actually, the defense has been more than fine—it's been good.
Now, I'll acknowledge that it's unfair to classify Tershawn Wharton as a replacement-level player. However, he's benefited a lot from playing in Steve Spagnuolo's defense next to Chris Jones. Does Wharton deserve some credit for how well he played last season? Sure. But would I have wanted KC to match Carolina's three-year, $45 million contract offer? No, I would not. Do I think there's a chance that Jerry Tillery, on his one-year, $1.8 million deal, can put up similar production to Wharton in Spagnuolo’s defense playing next to Chris Jones? I absolutely do, and don't be surprised if everyone is talking about what a good signing Tillery was by the end of the season.
If any of you were about to make an argument about Kansas City's need at defensive tackle that involved Derrick Nnadi, let me stop you right there. Nnadi played 13 snaps per game last season, put up just 11 combined tackles all year, and had a Pro Football Focus grade of 40.8. They can let Marlon Tuipulotu, Fabien Lovett, and Siaki Ika battle it out in camp for the right to take those snaps if needed. It's hard to imagine that the best player out of those three couldn't match what Nnadi did last year. You mix in even a third-round draft pick, and I'd argue that the position is in better shape than last season.
It is also worth noting that Mike Danna and a highly motivated Charles Omenihu have been known to kick inside on passing downs, essentially taking some of the defensive tackle reps as well. With Felix Anudike-Uzomah still needing to prove he isn't a complete bust as a first-round pick, I would argue that defensive end is a much bigger need for this team than defensive tackle, especially with both Omenihu and George Karlaftis in the final year of their deals.
While the 2025 draft class does have multiple first-round edge prospects as well, the depth of players who could contribute meaningful snaps as rookies will likely run out well before it does at defensive tackle. So if there is an edge player and a defensive tackle who are similarly ranked on the board at pick 31, they'd be smart to prioritize the edge player. Again, just to clarify—if there's a defensive tackle who is the clear best player on the board, then by all means, take him. But they can safely get a defensive tackle who could give them the rotational piece they need on Day Two of this draft.
The bottom line is that Steve Spagnuolo has proven he doesn't need a big-time player next to Chris Jones for his defense to be highly successful. Adding a first-round defensive tackle would be a fun luxury for this team, but it isn't a necessity. To Brett Veach's credit, he has done a nice job of building a roster without glaring holes prior to the draft. That will allow him to use their first-round pick on the most talented player on his board, regardless of position. If that player happens to be a defensive tackle, so be it. However, if it is any other position, there is no need for Kansas City fans to panic. The Chiefs will be just fine.