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[Kansas City Chiefs]

AP Premier: The tricky scenarios that still face the Chiefs

What is Arrowhead Pride Premier? Arrowhead Pride Premier is our tri-weekly newsletter, one that provides analysis and exclusive insights directly from Arrowhead Stadium, delivered straight to your inbox. Below is a preview of the latest edition. Click here for the last preview.

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Playing best-case/worst-case for the Chiefs​

By Pete Sweeney

We’re at a bit of a standstill in terms of fresh stories involving the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs. Free agency has passed – and now we patiently wait for the start of the annual “Camp Pat” workouts (which usually happen in mid-April) followed by the NFL Draft at the end of the month.

In my view, general manager Brett Veach and his personnel staff have done it again, once again assembling a 90-man roster and depth chart that could confidently line up right now.

After the announcement of compensatory picks, the Chiefs now have eight selections to use throughout draft weekend. For a quick reference, they have a first-rounder (No. 31 overall), a second-rounder (No. 63 overall), two third-rounders (Nos. 66 and 95), a fourth-rounder (No. 133) and three seventh-rounders (Nos. 226, 251 and 257).

Recent history might suggest Veach will trade up multiple times and end up with somewhere around six selections. However, given Kansas City’s great number of needs, we might see the team trade back once or twice and secure a deeper class.

Even with the roster in good shape, Kansas City still has some lingering questions. In today’s newsletter, I’ll present the best and worst-case scenarios regarding those questions.

Will Trey Smith play on the franchise tag?

Best-case scenario: No. And I’ll share a phrase that transcends football: Deadlines make deals. The Chiefs and Smith have a deadline of July 15 to get a long-term contract done, and so far, both sides have made some leverage plays. Smith has already signed his $23.4 million tag, signaling good faith and avoiding a holdout, while the Chiefs created cap flexibility by restructuring Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones – restoring some leverage in negotiations. Now, it’s up to the deadline.

Worst-case scenario: Yes. And this particular worst-case scenario isn’t that bad. Smith plays one season on that number, motivated to position himself for an even higher contract next offseason. The two sides kick the can down the road, and if he plays great, perhaps there is more room to operate then. The two sides delay completing a deal until the cap rises further, which could actually help them get something done later rather than sooner.

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What else is in this edition?​

• Pete presents two more of the biggest scenarios still facing the Chiefs this offseason.
• Our John Dixon provides a full breakdown of a clear shift in the direction of Kansas City’s mock drafts.
• A link to the full hour-long episode of the “Editors Show” (preview below).

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The Editors Show​

Here is a preview of this week’s Editors Show featuring Pete Sweeney and John Dixon.

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What else is included in a subscription?​

During the offseason, we provide a weekly update on Wednesday, with additional coverage on major events, such as free agency and the NFL Draft. During the season, You can expect 3 weekly newsletters, as outlined below:

• In our game preview newsletter on Thursdays, Pete shares his three thoughts heading into the game, Rocky Magaña highlights a pivotal matchup to watch — and John Dixon shares some background on one of the upcoming game’s biggest storylines.
• In our post-game newsletter, Pete shares his three thoughts stemming from each performance, Ron Kopp delivers his very first look at the film — and Jared Sapp captures everything being said about the turning point of the game.
• Brandon Kiley is our in-season Arrowhead Pride Premier Tuesday columnist.

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How to sign up for Arrowhead Pride Premier​

Subscribe today through this link for even more Chiefs coverage this season — and right now, we have a coupon code to give you 25% off for the entire year.

Enter coupon code PODCAST25 to receive 25% off your annual subscription.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/2/24399869/chiefs-news-tricky-offfseason-scenarios-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs pushing to become ‘permanent fixture’ on Christmas Day

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Chiefs headlines for Thursday, April 3.

The latest​

Chiefs making push to be permanent fixture on Christmas Day | Awful Announcing

Just as the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are synonymous with Thanksgiving football, the Kansas City Chiefs are making a play to own Christmas Day.

According to The Athletic, after back-to-back appearances on the league’s Christmas slate, the Chiefs have formally requested to become a permanent fixture on the holiday. And given the NFL’s continued push for marquee matchups in primetime slots, it’s a safe bet that Kansas City will once again be featured when the league rolls out its Christmas Day schedule in 2025.

Jason, Travis Kelce React to NFL Owners Considering Banning Eagles’ Tush Push Play | Sports Illustrated

His brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, completely agreed.

“There are four downs that a team gets to get a first down or get in the end zone,” the younger Kelce brother said. “If the tush push is just one play that you run when you have a short-yardage situation, those may come up a handful of times throughout a game. You can’t get upset at that one play. ... I think it’s a football type of play. ... I don’t think we need to be banning this.”

Anonymous NFL executives divided on the Kansas City Chiefs’ big 2025 free agency signing of left tackle Jaylon Moore | A to Z Sports

“I’m sure some will say they did a bad job there,” another exec said of the Chiefs, “but really, they took a $15 million (per year) shot at a guy who has upside, and if it doesn’t work out, at worst, he is going to be an overpaid swing tackle for them next year. That is not a terrible outcome. Whereas Tennessee gave Daniel Moore $50 million over two years, which was crazy to me.”

Moore’s contract structure truly makes this a no-lose scenario for Kansas City. If he’s your solution as a starter, you get him for $15M per year over the next two seasons and will have an opportunity to re-sign him. If he’s not the answer and you find that answer in the 2025 NFL draft, he has already proven that he can be a quality and reliable backup in the league.

Why Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes got together with soccer star Lionel Messi this week | The Kansas City Star

World Cup champion Lionel Messi in February arrived at Super Bowl LIX with his kids, and one was spotted in a jersey of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A year ago, Messi and Inter Miami FC played Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.

As he headed toward the field, Messi met with Mahomes. So Messi and Mahomes know each other and they met up once again this week, this time in Los Angeles. The reason? The two stars were part of Adidas’ 2026 World Cup kickoff event at BMO Stadium.

NFL exec’s DeAndre Hopkins remarks might explain why Chiefs didn’t re-sign him | Arrowhead Addict

Mike Sando of The Athletic shared that while the exec was excited about the Ravens re-signing Ronnie Stanley, the Hopkins move didn’t mean much.

“D-Hop, that doesn’t do anything for me. He’s just a name at this point.”

Patrick Mahomes’ friend’s (Gehrig Dieter) prank that fooled everyone and went viral on April Fools’ Day | Marca

Taking to X this week, Dieter wrote: “Looking to sell my Super Bowl ring. Anyone know a good spot to buy this??”

Around the NFL​

Roger Goodell May Have Telegraphed He Wants to Ban the Tush Push | Sports Illustrated

Generally, when Goodell doesn’t have the votes—and via a straw poll, he wasn’t particularly close this time around—but wants to spend some time figuring out a way to get them, he’ll table a proposal, like he did the Green Bay Packers’ tush push ban, until the May meeting. In this case, I do think the lack of needed support for the play went back to two things.

Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 4.0 | NFL.com

RANK: 37 - JOSH SIMMONS, OHIO STATE

Simmons is a gifted left tackle prospect. He was having an outstanding 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. He has excellent size, movement skills and balance. In the passing game, he has a smooth/fluid set. He can easily redirect and plays with a wide/firm base. He uses a sharp punch before steering and controlling defenders. He will overset on occasion, but he’s nimble enough to redirect and recover. In the run game, he plays under control, stays on his feet and maintains leverage/position. He can adjust in space on combos. The main question with Simmons is health. What he put on tape this fall should generate plenty of optimism about his chances of becoming a quality starting left tackle in the NFL.

Trey Hendrickson disappointed by Bengals’ stance on contract | ESPN

“First off, yesterday was April Fools’ [Day] so I was traded to all 31 teams and had like a hundred different contracts. The one thing I was hoping was an April Fools’ joke [was those comments]. Called my agent [Harold Lewis], found out it was not, and that was a little disappointing because the communication has been poor over the last couple of months,” he said.

Hendrickson said the Bengals have not communicated with his agent directly about his contract, saying that has “been something that’s been a little bit frustrating.

Bears expand options for stadium site to include Arlington Heights | ESPN

“The focus now is both downtown and Arlington Heights,” Warren said. “These are not linear processes or projects. They take time, they take a lot of energy and effort. I am very, very pleased with where we are. I think we, collectively as a group, are where we thought we would be.”

The Bears purchased the land in Arlington Heights for $197.2 million in Sept. 2021 but have not begun developing the site, which was expected to feature a multibillion-dollar stadium project and include restaurants, retail space and real estate. The team began exploring options for a new stadium beyond Arlington Heights in the summer of 2023 when they announced that those plans were “at risk” as negotiations over property taxes reached a $100 million impasse.

Agent’s Take: Breaking down Micah Parsons’ contract complications, how Cowboys star should proceed in talks | CBS Sports

Parsons felt compelled to defend Mulugheta on social media after Jones’ comments. “David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without [him],” Parsons tweeted. “Like anyone with good sense I hired experts for a reason. There is no one I trust more when it comes to negotiating contracts than David! There will be no backdoors in this contract negotiation.”

John Vella, who won Super Bowl with Oakland Raiders, dies at 74 | ESPN

John Vella, an offensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Raiders, has died at the age of 74, the team announced Wednesday.

No cause of death was given.

“The Raiders Family mourns the passing of John Vella, a standout on the dominant Raider offensive lines of the 1970s and a starter on Oakland’s Super Bowl XI Championship team,” the team said in a statement. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Vella family at this time.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Why the Chiefs are in the best drafting position since 2022

Other than tackle, I think the Chiefs are in a great spot to mix the order of their positions based on selection. If they want a running back at 31, they can find a defensive tackle or tight end later (and vice versa). This is ideal for drafting.

The flexibility that general manager Brett Veach has will allow the Chiefs to have a stronger draft. The needs for the Chiefs align almost perfectly with the strengths of the 2025 class.

Social media to make you think​

.@getnickwright wants @treysmith back on the Chiefs, so he made him a great offer

“We are willing to put all of our Chiefs banners we have dropped up for auction and whatever they come back with, we’ll add it to the Chiefs’ best offer.” pic.twitter.com/x92lOa1QCu

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 2, 2025​

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...news-team-pushing-permanent-fixture-christmas

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ offseason workout dates announced

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

An NFL team’s offseason program consists of three phases.

On Friday, the NFL made its 2025 offseason workout dates official. Here is the listing for the Kansas City Chiefs:

First Day: April 21

OTA Offseason Workouts (voluntary): May 27-29, June 2-4, June 10-13

Mandatory Minicamp: June 17-19

The league did not announce a date for the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, but they typically like it the weekend following the draft — which in 2025 would be the weekend of Saturday, May 3.

All these dates are tentative. They are subject to change at the Chiefs’ discretion.

As a reminder, each team’s program is conducted in three phases:

Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.

The Chiefs generally make their players available to the media on the first day of Phase One.

Over the past three offseasons, Kansas City has allowed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to oversee “phase one” for the offense, hosting players-only workouts in his home state of Texas.

Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills,” and drills and plays with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players, conducted at a walk through pace. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.

Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs”. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/3/24400534/chiefs-offseason-workout-dates-announced

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Can you guess this Chiefs running back in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chiefs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Arrowhead Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Arrowhead Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Thursday, April 3, 2025
Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

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Arrowhead Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chiefs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/4/24400983/sb-nation-chiefs-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ Draft Scenario: What if the tackles are gone?

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

In this draft month series, we’ll take a look at very specific scenarios for Kansas City in the NFL Draft.

Leading into the NFL Draft, we’ll spend the next few weeks developing different mock draft scenarios and what the Kansas City Chiefs should do in response to those situations. These aren’t predictions on what we think will happen, but what would be the right course of action should the specific circumstance play out.

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For our first scenario, we’re going through a scenario the Chiefs have lived through for two years: What if all the first-round offensive tackles are gone?

In my opinion, there are six tackle candidates to go in the first round.

• Armand Membou, Missouri
• Will Campbell, LSU
• Josh Simmons, Ohio State
• Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
• Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
• Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

It’s plausible the Chiefs won’t get a chance to take any of those players, nor make trade-ups for them. If there is no tackle available, who should the Chiefs select? Let’s dive into my picks;

Round 1 (31): Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State​

If the Chiefs miss on the offensive tackles, the first position I would look at is defensive tackle. I don’t view any other position on the roster as having as significant a need as defensive tackle right now. The Chiefs are going into the season with minimal depth and experience. They need bodies to help take some load off of Chris Jones as he enters his 30s.

To answer this, I decided to draft Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, who I feel is one of the highest floor prospects in the class.

The best attribute about Williams’ game is his run defense. Williams has a real argument for the best run defender in the class. Between Williams and teammate Ty Hamilton, Ohio State stopped every interior run for an entire season. Both were asked to play two-gaps and hold space against blockers — and were very good at it. Williams might only have 32-inch arms, but he uses his arms well to keep blockers off his chest, and at 334 lbs, he’s hard to move. Williams will be a Day 1 impact run defender.

As a pass rusher, I think Williams has more of a capped ceiling. His first step is good, and he uses a good swim move to get into the backfield. He can crush the pocket with power. I do think Williams is a bit stiff when rushing for my liking. He won’t get upfield and win with quickness or bend often. His pass rush film at Ohio State wasn’t overwhelming, but I don’t think he’s useless there. He projects to have five to seven sacks a year in the NFL, which is still reasonable given his incredible run defense.

One thing I like about Williams is that he could handle some nose tackle reps. With how well he two-gapped at Ohio State and being over 330 lbs., I think you could have him play next to Jones on early downs or spell him at 3-technique. Either way, he’s going to help Jones out and find a role.

Ohio State DL Tyleik Williams (#91) with the textbook drop leg technique to hold off the double team, sheds the LT block to make the run stop. His flexibility at his size (6-3, 327) is remarkable. pic.twitter.com/rSHp4uUiLl

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 21, 2025​

Round 2 (63): Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State​

Sticking with running backs, it’s hard to know how the NFL will rank the deep class, but you could insert many guys here. I’ll discuss more running backs over the coming weeks, so let’s talk Judkins.

Judkins is an interesting player. Judkins is a north-south runner who does best when his shoulders are parallel and he can get upfield. His best trait is his lower body strength, where he can run through contact for extra yards or fend off tackles from smaller defenders. His power — combined with explosiveness — makes him a good interior runner.

Judkins does have some limitations. First, I think his vision can be inconsistent. There are flashes of good vision, but there are also plays of him running into blocks. Judkins is well-built and strong, but that does zap some agility to bounce runs in his game. I think he’ll be best on power or gap runs, but if you’re a zone offense, you might have some limitations.

Judkins might not be the most complete back, but I trust his strength to stay efficient, and he does have the speed that no other Chiefs running back possesses. If he can work on his vision, he could be an awesome player.

A lot of analytics tell me not to believe in Quinshon Judkins,,,

The violence with which he puts grown men's heads into the dirt tells me not to be a nerd https://t.co/M5Qex2E1Ts pic.twitter.com/cyhLo0kkwN

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) March 26, 2025​

Tired of Browns QB debates?

Here's something we all want.
Quinshon Judkins in Brown and Orange. pic.twitter.com/4ET30f94XJ

— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) March 21, 2025​

Round 3 (66): Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU​

Now that the Chiefs have a starting running back and defensive tackle, they can look to address other positions. One area I’d look at is depth on the defensive line.

One scheme fit I like is Bradyn Swinson. With Swinson, you know exactly what you’re getting. Swinson is a bullrusher who wins with length and physicality. He’s always looking to crush the pocket and does it at a high level. He lacks elite bend, but he does get off the ball well and consistently shows enough power to utilize it as a primary rush move.

One underrated thing about Swinson: he’s a good interior rusher. LSU would put him in the B-Gap, and he would cook guards. The lack of fluidity matters less at defensive tackle, and his strength translated well on film. We know Steve Spagnuolo loves inside-out rushers, and Swinson would be a perfect fit for that.

Bradyn Swinson is flying way under the radar. Genuinely excellent tape off the EDGE pic.twitter.com/5gMI6N754i

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 26, 2025​

Round 3 (95): Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon​

I was contemplating wide receiver here, but decided to go with a receiving tight end instead.

Ferguson might be the best option at the end of Round 3. Ferguson is a unique body type for a tight end. His best traits are his ability to stretch the middle of the field or run crossers and accelerate with the ball. Oregon frequently had him be the deep route in their concepts because he is fast.

Ferguson’s biggest weakness that pushes him down is his weight. Ferguson weighed in at 247 lbs., though I’d be surprised if he even played that heavy. Oregon basically made him obsolete in the run game because he struggles to block in general. He lacks the size or strength to be a part of the run game.

That being said, Ferguson has elite qualities as a receiver, so one could argue he’s undervalued in this draft. If the Chiefs want tight end receiving juice after Travis Kelce, Ferguson would be a good value at 95.

Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson is an explosive athlete and it translates to his YAC ability.

Ferguson led all TEs in YAC per reception last season (9.0). Top 100 prospect. pic.twitter.com/VWKqYS71Uq

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) March 11, 2025​

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/4/24400292/chiefs-draft-scenario-what-if-the-tackles-are-gone

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

3 left tackles the Chiefs could target in the draft

Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images

Will one of these college prospects be tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side?

Even with the signing of free agent left tackle Jaylon Moore last month, the Kansas City Chiefs' most crucial roster need is at left tackle.

Consider the skepticism shown by some league executives. Per The Athletic’s Mike Sando, at least one front office staff member from another team was scratching their head at the Moore signing.

“Jaylon Moore has had durability issues, he has never been a front-line player and he’s been protected in a system that is not dropback-heavy, so I do not love that move,” one exec said.

As the draft draws nearer, all eyes are on general manager Brett Veach — and what he will do to help solidify quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blind side in the draft.

Here are three prospects the Chiefs could target (one for each day of the draft):

Day 1: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas​

Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Height: 6’5​

Weight: 315 lbs.​

Arm length: 33 1/2 inches​

Projected: pick 15-25​

This selection might require the Chiefs to make a mid-size trade-up to get him. But if you’re serious about protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side for the next 10 years and preventing the horror show that was Super Bowl LIX from happening again, then this is the move you have to make.

The only knock on Banks is the same knock on literally every other left tackle at the top of the board, and it’s that he has sub-34-inch arms. But, if we’re being honest. So does Jaylon Moore, and so did Joe Thuney. Desperate times call for rethinking your thresholds to see if they still hold, and I think Banks Jr. is the exception to the rule.

This was Kelvin Banks Jr.'s only Allowed Sack last season

: @FBallAnalysisYT pic.twitter.com/FWkOBbhQwM https://t.co/A4iIwJnzHm

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 26, 2025​

He is smooth in his pass sets and utilizes his hands to good effect with a well-timed punch and great footwork. He doesn’t get caught off-balance very often and doesn’t end up on the ground unless he’s pancaking a guy. If you were going to push your chips in, this is the guy to do it with.

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Day 2: Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College​

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Height: 6’8​

Weight: 316 lbs.​

Arm length: 33 inches​

Projected: pick 65-90​

The big issue with Trapilo is that he is even shorter-armed than Banks, and at 6 feet 8, it’s even more of a concern for a guy who (due to his height) will struggle at times with letting defenders into his chest and allowing them to get below his pad level. However, it is worth noting that Trapilo does have position versatility. He played both right and left tackle during his time at Boston College.

Trapilo has that mean streak you want in an offensive lineman, and if he doesn’t work out at tackle, he is a ready-made nasty boy to slide inside to left guard and pair with Trey Smith.

Ozzy Trapilo, (70) is “my guy” at OT, early 2nd round grade

Athleticism to be scheme versatile, one of the best technicians in pass pro & could play G if needed

Team captain at BC which has nice OL history: Anthony Castonzo, Chris Lindstrom, Zion Johnsonpic.twitter.com/bsb7em8f5Z

— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) March 19, 2025​

Trapilo is thick through his trunk and possesses awesome power in his hands. He looks to finish his blocks by driving through his guy on running plays. In pass sets, he is hard to move and handles power well. He has enough lateral movement not to be at a deficit against bendy edge rushers.

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Day 3: John Williams, Cincinnati​

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Height: 6’4​

Weight: 322 lbs.​

Arm length: 33 7/8 inches​

Projected: pick 170-235​

At this point, we are talking about diamonds in the rough who could be the sleeper pick of the draft, and if you’re betting on winning the lottery to pay your mortgage, then you should probably reevaluate your life choices.

My top performer from the West practice at the @ShrineBowl has to be Cincinnati LT John Williams

Very impressed with his fluidity and independent hand usage. Great building blocks for a blindside protector pic.twitter.com/8rdnnKNyJC

— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) January 25, 2025​

That being said, if there is a late-round guy who I think could come in and play right away, it’s Williams. He is copy-and-paste consistent in his pass sets, to the point where, when you watch his game film, you sometimes feel like you’re watching the same play repeatedly.

He’s not a perfect player by any means; he’s not overly powerful with his hands, but he is athletic. Some scouts think he might end up sliding inside to guard at the next level, but there is a lot to like here for a bottom-of-the-draft guy.

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What do you think? Who is the prospect you want to see the Chiefs target?

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...-tackles-kansas-city-could-target-on-each-day

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Local draft prospect Aireontae Ersery could bring size and physicality as the Chiefs’ left tackle

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The former Ruskin High School player has all the tools he needs to play left tackle in Kansas City

While the signing of free-agent tackle Jaylon Moore has added stability to the position, the Kansas City Chiefs could still be looking for a left tackle in the NFL Draft.

While local standout Armand Membou has garnered the national spotlight as a possible top-5 pick, another hometown talent (and projected first-round pick) is on Kansas City’s radar: former Ruskin High School tackle Aireontae Ersery, whom the Chiefs have reportedly brought in for a Top-30 visit.

Ersery brings size, physicality and most of the other attributes teams will look for in a cornerstone left tackle.

Background​

A three-star recruit out of Ruskin, Ersery was not a highly-ranked college prospect. But he did draw interest from Midwestern schools like Ball State, Kansas, Kansas State and Minnesota, where he enrolled in 2020.

A starter for his last three seasons with the Golden Gophers, as a redshirt senior he was an All Big-10 selection, an Associated Press third-team All-American and a Senior Bowl participant.

Checking into the NFL Scouting Combine at 6 feet 6 and 331 pounds, he was measured with 33 1/8-inch arms and 9 1/2-inch hands. His size (and athletic ability) dazzled scouts at the Combine and his pro day.

Aireontae Ersery is a OT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.43 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 87 out of 1500 OT from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/ouoYHv0lnu pic.twitter.com/SnEESLSIBE

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 30, 2025​

At 5.01 seconds, Ersery’s 40-yard dash time was among the fastest of any offensive lineman at the Combine. More importantly, his 1.74-second 10-yard split displayed his explosion out of the blocks.

But it is Ersery’s film that is making him a potential first-round selection.

Film evaluation​

Big offensive linemen can sometimes struggle against speed, but Ersery has quick feet for such a big frame — and his tight, concise footwork in his vertical protection set shows a player with a good command of the fundamentals for his position.

Aireontae Ersery vs Abdul Carter. Against the speed rusher, he quickly gets out of his stance and lands his hands first. Carter keeps fighting to bend the arc, but Ersery latches on and washes him upfield. pic.twitter.com/YbOLoROfaV

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 3, 2025​

Here, he battles one of the best edge rushers in the class: Penn State’s Abdul Carter, who wins snaps with speed and length. On this play, Carter wants to bend the arc — but Ersery is out of his stance quickly enough to prevent it. As Carter tries to fly up the field, Ersery lands his hands first — and then using his power, works Carter up the field to squash the pass-rushing attempt.

Although he doesn’t keep his hips quite square to the line of scrimmage, Ersery’s initial vertical drive from his inside foot (and his quickness with his outside kick) set him up for success.

Ersery can also defend against quicker pass rushers who try to beat him from the inside.

Speed rushers tried to set up Ersery inside, but he did a good job of not oversetting and getting big with his inside hand to stop the rush. He does a great job of powering down and flattening out his set back inside to stop the pressure altogether. pic.twitter.com/4IF8ow7PDU

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 3, 2025​

As he begins his pass set on this rep, the wide edge rusher attempts to blow through the B-gap — but since Ersery doesn't overset, he can quickly transition from a vertical set to protecting the inside and powering back down. He catches the EDGE in the middle of his swim move to easily wash the defender down the line of scrimmage, giving his quarterback a clear window to throw the ball.

Ersery needs to work on staying square to the LOS and not shortening the angle to the QB, but once he locks on his grip, and upper body strength stops edge rushers in their tracks. He has quick feet out of his stance, just needs a few technical adjustments. pic.twitter.com/Ye7Y9LOSxf

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 3, 2025​

While we see here that Ersery still needs improvement in some technical aspects of his pass protection, he nonetheless demonstrates the skills and fundamentals he will need to succeed at the next level.

Ersery is also a mauler in the running game, where he punishes opponents with his size and physical playing style. Even as a tall player, he can bend his knees and hips to create leverage in the running game. He overwhelms his opponents with his size and strength — and works to finish every play.

The edge defender is busy looking in the backfield, and Ersery comes out and punches him in the mouth. The big man does a good job of timing his steps and punches, and his leverage knocks the defender off his feet. Great finish to the play. pic.twitter.com/ZWBKropf40

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 3, 2025​

On this play, Ersery fires off the ball with good footwork, timing his hands and feet perfectly while maintaining good pad level. As the edge defender tries to work up the field, Ersery uses one powerful motion to deliver a big shot that knocks the defender off his feet. Ersery finishes the play with authority.

One of Ersery’s biggest strengths is evident when he’s down-blocking on the play side of power or counter looks. This is where he can throw his weight around to display his full might as a player.

This is a "mano a mano" block from Ersery. He has the 4i all to himself, and he does a great job of stepping, striking, and clearing the space his team needs to find the endzone. One of the best at down blocking in the class. pic.twitter.com/txkHDtogu9

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 3, 2025​

Ersery has a tough block on this play. A 4i-technique is aligned just to his inside shoulder — and Ersery’s responsibility is the B-gap. He does not have help from a tight end or guard —and the ball carrier will be coming in right behind him.

On the snap, he uses his tight footwork to work his head and body into the B-gap as he strikes the defender. With superior leverage (and tight inside hands), he moves the defensive tackle off the spot to open a big crease. The running back sees daylight, powering through it for a touchdown.

This is one of the toughest looks in football. Ersery makes it look easy.

The bottom line​

Most mock draft boards have Ersery as a Day 2 selection. But with his combination of size, physicality and athletic ability, he might sneak into the first round — especially if there is a big run on tackles.

The Chiefs are in a position where they don’t need to take a tackle — but if the opportunity presents itself, a player like Ersery could be just the kind of prospect they want.

He will have to continue to improve his consistency against speed rushers (and his overall playing tempo) to be a starting-caliber NFL tackle — but the tools (and the mentality) are there.

There are very few perfect draft prospects. But large, athletic men who can dominate every snap are coveted by every team. Could Kansas City bring Ersery home?

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...uld-bring-size-and-physicality-to-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Da’Quan Felton could give the Chiefs an outside vertical presence

Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Virginia Tech wideout could shine while being targeted by Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

While wide receiver has been among the Kansas City Chiefs’ significant needs in recent seasons, the emergence of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as young building blocks has reduced this need for 2025.

But in the coming NFL Draft, the Chiefs should be looking for skillsets that fill the gaps within their wide receiver group. Rice and Worthy are slot-oriented players who can use underneath targets to create explosive plays; they’re primarily going to win on horizontal routes instead of downfield routes.

To complement them, the team needs an outside receiver who can stretch the field vertically — and win — on the sidelines. This is the role Marquez Valdes-Scantling filled for the Chiefs, so it won’t necessarily be a player available in the draft’s early rounds.

A Day 3 wide receiver who has this kind of skillset is Virginia Tech’s Da’Quan Felton. Here’s what you need to know about him.

Background​

Coming out of Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia in 2019, Felton was a zero-star recruit with just one Power-5 offer: Indiana. He committed to Norfolk State, where he was redshirted — and when COVID hit in 2020, his season was canceled. When Felton finally started playing in 2021, he recorded 492 yards — and then 573 yards in 2022, when he was second-team All-MEAC.

Moving on to Virginia Tech, he caught 38 passes for 667 yards and eight touchdowns. But in his final season, he collected just 32 catches, 360 yards and two touchdowns.

#Hokies WR Da’Quan Felton records a 35 inch vertical at Virginia Tech’s NFL Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/gwet5Slvu7

— Miles Jordan (@Miles_Jordan_) March 26, 2025​

Da'Quan Felton is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 8.99 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 344 out of 3408 WR from 1987 to 2025.

Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/qt2flJMiLW pic.twitter.com/caHwewBtbt

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025​

The 24-year-old Felton checked into the NFL Scouting Combine at 6 feet 4 and 213 pounds, with 32 1/4-inch arms and 9-inch hands. He ran a respectable 4.5-second 40-yard dash — with a 1.57-second 10-yard split — and at his Pro Day, he improved his vertical jump to 35 inches.

Film evaluation​

In Virginia Tech’s offense — a very limited passing scheme with a relatively untalented quarterback — Felton mostly ran downfield routes like Go or Post. And since he was often used as a decoy to clear space, he didn’t get many targets.

Kyron Drones drops a dime to Da’Quan Felton for a Virginia Tech TD

The Hokies have scored on every possession in this game

pic.twitter.com/sypW8FEdR8

— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) October 27, 2023​

Hokies Top Ten Plays of 2023: #2 Da’Quan Felton drags a defender into the end zone Spiderman Meme pic.twitter.com/FVjXdRtwot

— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) August 16, 2024​

On film — where he’s generally isolated as the X receiver, tasked with stretching the field — he shows some ability to separate from defenders. He uses his long legs to build speed, get on top of cornerbacks and give the quarterback a throwing window.

Unfortunately, his quarterback just couldn’t hit that window very often.

While Felton didn’t play underneath very much, he did show some ability to win against zone coverage on quick outs, stop routes or digs over the middle of the field.

Since I’d estimate well over half his routes went downfield, Felton’s biggest weakness is a very limited route tree. While I think some of this can be attributed to the Hokies’ quarterback, he’s still a limited route runner. As a long-legged athlete with stiffness concerns while trying to throttle down, he’s not likely to have an outsized role in the NFL.

How he fits with the Chiefs​

If Kansas City acquires Felton, his role would be to stretch the field on vertical routes. The Chiefs would put him on the back side of plays and let him win on the sideline — and with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball, I believe he would pop more often. He does have legitimate speed — and he does get open downfield. This would free the team to leave the traditional routes to Rice, Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce — while Felton replaces Valdes-Scantling (or Justin Watson) as a downfield route-runner.

The bottom line​

Don’t get me wrong: Felton is a limited player. The proof comes from his lack of production. In the NFL, he’ll have one role: as an outside vertical route-runner — where I think he’s underrated. He’s demonstrated he can get open. In a scaled-down role — with a real quarterback throwing to him — I think he could be a useful depth piece who can also play on special teams.

Grade: Round 4​

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...on-could-provide-an-outside-vertical-presence

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Can you guess this Chiefs defensive lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chiefs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Arrowhead Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Arrowhead Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, April 5, 2025
Friday, April 4, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Arrowhead Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chiefs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/6/24402294/sb-nation-chiefs-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

New mock draft by The Athletic sends the Chiefs a guard with the 31st pick

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In a new mock, The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner picks Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson for Kansas City.

On Monday, The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner published a new mock draft that sent a guard to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 31st pick of the first round.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

A balanced, explosive athlete with very good length, Jackson spent most of his Ohio State career at guard before moving out to tackle in the wake of [Josh] Simmons’ injury — a critical move during Ohio State’s title run. Jackson can be inconsistent with his hands but has the look of a possible long-term starter at guard or tackle.

Does Jackson’s 2024 season sound familiar? It should. It’s exactly what Kansas City’s starting left guard Joe Thuney did during the same season.

And that brings us to the reason why Chiefs fans didn’t riot when the team signed Thuney to an expensive five-year contract less than a week after releasing its starting tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz: because if Kansas City had then drafted a young left tackle, they would have benefited from playing next to Thuney — and in a pinch, Thuney could play left tackle.

Back in 2021, it didn’t come to that. But if the Chiefs take Jackson with 2025’s opening pick (or trade back and take him early in the second round), the logic of the move would be similar. Jackson would be slated to become the team’s starting left guard — and if recently-signed free-agent left tackle Jaylon Moore doesn’t work out, Jackson has shown that he’s capable of kicking outside. But if Moore can play as advertised, Jackson (who is among the best guards in this class) would help the team maintain one of its strengths: the interior of the offensive line.

Just for the record, Baumgarder’s mock goes through three rounds. With the 63rd pick, the Chiefs take Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson. At 66, the team acquires Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer. And then at 95, the Chiefs select Texas defensive tackle Vernon Broughton.

National Mock Draft Positions​

[td]

Position​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

Tackle​

[/td]​

[td]

36%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive tackle​

[/td]​

[td]

24%​

[/td]​

[td]

Edge rusher​

[/td]​

[td]

13%​

[/td]​

[td]

Guard​

[/td]​

[td]

10%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive back​

[/td]​

[td]

8%​

[/td]​

[td]

Wide receiver​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

Tight end​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

Running back​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

​

National Mock Draft Picks​

[td]

Pos​

[/td]​

[td]

Name​

[/td]​

[td]

School​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Simmons​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

16%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Conerly Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

13%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Derrick Harmon​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

8%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Walter Nolen​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Donovan Jackson​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Kelvin Banks Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

James Pearce Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Tennessee​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Aireontae Ersery​

[/td]​

[td]

Minnesota​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Darius Alexander​

[/td]​

[td]

Toledo​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Kenneth Grant​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Tyleik Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Nic Scourton​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas A&M​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Shavon Revel Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

East Carolina​

[/td]​

[td]

3%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Grey Zabel​

[/td]​

[td]

N. Dakota St.​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Maxwell Hairston​

[/td]​

[td]

Kentucky​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Emeka Egbuka​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Matthew Golden​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Colston Loveland​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Cameron Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Shemar Stewart​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas A&M​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mykel Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Georgia​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Jared Ivey​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mike Green​

[/td]​

[td]

Marshall​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

DE​

[/td]​

[td]

JT Tuimoloau​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Marcus Mbow​

[/td]​

[td]

Purdue​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Tyler Booker​

[/td]​

[td]

Alabama​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Jahdae Barron​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Azareye’h Thomas​

[/td]​

[td]

Florida State​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

S​

[/td]​

[td]

Nick Emmanwori​

[/td]​

[td]

South Carolina​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mason Taylor​

[/td]​

[td]

LSU​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

[td]

RB​

[/td]​

[td]

TreVeyon Henderson​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

1%​

[/td]​

​

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...c-sends-the-chiefs-a-guard-with-the-31st-pick

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs work out 53 prospects during their Local Pro Day

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Local college players with big dreams spent Monday at Kansas City’s practice facility.

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs held their annual Local Pro Day, working out a group of 53 prospects who attended area colleges or high schools. Here’s a complete list of the participants.

Offensive linemen​

• T Logan Brown (Kansas)
• T Marcus Bryant (Missouri)
• G Bryce Cabeldue (Kansas)
• G Gabe Clark (Central Missouri)
• G Michael Ford (Kansas)
• G Cam’Ron Johnson (Missouri)
• G Easton Kilty (Kansas State)
• G Mason Richman (Iowa)
• C Joe Michalski (Oklahoma State)

Quarterbacks​

• QB Brady Cook (Missouri)
• QB Graham Mertz (Florida)
• QB Zach Zebrowski (Central Missouri)

Running backs​

• RB Marcus Carroll (Missouri)
• RB Keyon Mozee (Miami – OH)
• RB Devin Neal (Kansas)
• RB Nate Noel (Missouri)
• RB Jaylin Richardson (Concordia – Saint Paul)
• RB Shane Watts (Fort Hays State)
• FB Jared Casey (Kansas)

Wide receivers​

• WR Dante Cephas (Kansas State)
• WR Lawrence Arnold (Kansas)
• WR Jonas Bennett (Missouri Western State)
• WR Luke Grimm (Kansas)
• WR Jadon Jackson (Kansas State)
• WR Zach Patterson (Central Missouri)
• WR Quentin Skinner (Kansas)
• WR Trevor Watts (Fort Hays State)
• WR Theo Wease (Missouri)
• WR Trevor Wilson (Kansas)

Defensive linemen​

• DE Brendan Mott (Kansas State)
• DE Jereme Robinson (Kansas)
• DE Johnny Walker (Missouri)
• DE Dylan Wudke (Kansas)
• DT Kristian Williams (Missouri)

Linebackers​

• LB Taiwan Berryhill (Kansas)
• LB J.B. Brown (Kansas)
• LB Corey Flagg (Missouri)
• LB Austin Moore (Kansas State)
• LB Cornell Wheeler (Kansas)

Defensive backs​

• DB Jacob Parrish (Kansas State)
• CB Mello Dotson (Kansas)
• CB Keenan Garber (Kansas State)
• CB Tre Johnson (Missouri)
• CB Dontae Manning (Oregon)
• CB Cahleel Smith (Northwest Missouri State)
• S O.J. Burroughs (Kansas)
• S Joseph Charleston (Missouri)
• S Marvin Grant (Kansas)
• S Jordan Riley (Kansas State)

Specialists​

• K Chris Tennant (Kansas State)
• K Tabor Allen (Kansas)
• LS Luke Hosford (Kansas)
• LS Trey Flint (Missouri)

In 2023, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe were among those who took part in this event before landing with the Chiefs. Last season, wide receiver Phillip Brooks was signed as an undrafted free agent.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ft-53-prospects-work-out-during-local-pro-day

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Another positive sign for Rashee Rice’s progress

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Rice reports he has now been given full clearance to run a full route tree.

The 2025 outlook for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice continues to improve — or so he says.

In October — following an inadvertent Week 4 collision with Patrick Mahomes — Rice underwent surgery to repair a significant injury in his knee.

He has been rehabbing ever since — and on Monday, he shared an update on the story page of his official Instagram account.

Rashee Rice just posted this on his Instagram. It looks like he is nearing back to 100 percent. I can’t wait for next season!

: IG | doub11e_r pic.twitter.com/GIDIeWffZJ

— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) April 7, 2025​

“They just cleared the kid for the route tree!” wrote Rice. “Thank you to the man up above!”

Why is this noteworthy?

The “route tree” represents the full menu of routes — out routes, slants, comebacks and more — that a receiver can run within the passing plays of an offense. Because each route puts different stress on the knee, Rice’s ability to run all of his routes suggests he’s making solid progress.

In late March, Rice posted an encouraging weightlifting video, and in early April, friend-of-the-site Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reported that head coach Andy Reid considers him “on track” to be ready for training camp.

Of course, there is another aspect to Rice’s outlook: his scheduled court appearances set to take place this summer related to last offseason’s off-the-field incident.

Once proceedings conclude, most expect the wide receiver to be suspended for an indeterminate number of games. On that front, Rice and the Chiefs can only wait and see.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/8/24403772/chiefs-news-rashee-rice-cleared-full-route-tree

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs named 4th most complete team heading into draft

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs headlines for Wednesday, April 9

The latest​

Pete Prisco 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0: Team trades into top five for Ashton Jeanty; three QBs taken in Round 1 | CBS Sports

Round 1 - Pick 31

Josh Simmons OT

Ohio State • Sr • 6’5” / 317 lbs

Simmons is coming off a torn patellar tendon, but he is the best left tackle in this class when healthy — and it’s not close. The Chiefs can afford to make this pick and wait with Jaylon Moore signed as a free agent.

2025 NFL Draft: Best Day 2 fits for all 32 NFL teams | PFF

Kansas City Chiefs

Prospect to target: G Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Joe Thuney‘s trade to Chicago has created a more pressing need on Kansas City’s offensive line. The current expectation is that the Chiefs will slide 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia inside, but given his poor showing at the spot in Week 18 (30.8 PFF pass-blocking grade), it’s unlikely he will be the long-term answer. Ratledge’s solid pass-blocking technique will allow him to compete for the spot in camp.

Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft 2025 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs | The Athletic

Chiefs’ key positions of need

Pass rusher: One of the most underrated parts of the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX was how disappointing the pass rush was. Don’t be surprised if Veach adds youth and talent around Jones and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. Entering the draft, the Chiefs have just five defensive tackles, none of whom are on a rookie contract. Adding another player who can learn and develop next to Jones would help.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on BYU football’s success in 2024 | Chiefs Wire

“I had a chance to watch all their games last year. I just saw the way they stepped up this year compared to the year before,” said Reid. “They lost a couple of really good players, so they were able to fill in, and I thought offensively, defensively, and special teams-wise, they did a nice job.”

BYU finished the 2024 season at 11-2, ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press poll, and won the Alamo Bowl. The Cougars bounced back to prominence after a 5-7 season last year.

“The defense really stepped up. I thought really did a nice job with how they presented themselves. That’s a tough conference with a lot of speed. They were able to match up and play good, physical football,” said Reid. Likewise, on the offensive side, BYU is known for its offense. The defense (at BYU) doesn’t get a lot of credit for everything, but they sure deserve that this year.”

NFL Post-Free Agency Power Rankings: Bills Challenge Eagles for Most Complete Team | SI

4. Kansas City Chiefs

I’ve been quietly talking myself into free-agent guard Jaylon Moore all offseason, at least to the point where it allows the Chiefs to seriously woo me by taking North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel at the back end of the first round and end all my nonsense talk about a gap in the dynasty (it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy). In all seriousness, I think Moore could end up being one of the biggest fliers taken during free agency.

Around the NFL​

Colts’ Braden Smith details struggle, recovery from severe OCD | ESPN

Colts veteran offensive tackle Braden Smith missed the final five games of last season because of a personal matter.

Now, he’s detailing just how intense the situation was.

Smith, in an interview with the Indianapolis Star published Tuesday, said he has a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that prompted him to spend 48 days in a treatment facility and to ultimately turn to a psychedelic drug that he believes helped save him.

He was so tormented, Smith said, that he contemplated suicide.

“I was physically present, but I was nowhere to be found,” Smith told the newspaper. “I did not care about playing football. I didn’t care about hanging out with my family, with my wife, with my newborn son. “I was a month away from putting a bullet through my brain.”

Caleb Williams: Starting now, Ben Johnson pushing me is key | NBC Sports

To that end, Williams told reporters in his Tuesday press conference that Johnson has already started making sure the young quarterback is on his Ps and Qs.

“[T]oday we had our first quiz as a QB room,” Williams said. “And it’s not like a real quiz where you go up and write stuff. It’s just us, we went over a few things yesterday, talked about a few things. And Ben walked in this morning, flung open the door, made a grand entrance, and then we got to work of him testing us about what we talked about yesterday and things like that. Already first day in and challenging us. And everybody loves a challenge in this sport. It’s one of the great things about the sport — every day is a challenge. And today, we got our first one.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Chiefs News: Rashee Rice says he’s been cleared for full route tree

“They just cleared the kid for the route tree!” wrote Rice. “Thank you to the man up above!”

Why is this noteworthy?

The “route tree” represents the full menu of routes — out routes, slants, comebacks and more — that a receiver can run within the passing plays of an offense. Because each route puts different stress on the knee, Rice’s ability to run all of his routes suggests he’s making solid progress.

In late March, Rice posted an encouraging weightlifting video, and in early April, friend-of-the-site Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reported that head coach Andy Reid considers him “on track” to be ready for training camp.

Of course, there is another aspect to Rice’s outlook: his scheduled court appearances set to take place this summer related to last offseason’s off-the-field incident.

Social media to make you think​

As usual, @heykayadams hits the nail on the head.

There is a better chance that Mahomes goes scorched earth and wins the MVP than there is that the Chiefs finish third in the AFC.

pic.twitter.com/3fPnJbBC0U

— Patrick Allen (@RPatrickAllen) April 8, 2025​

Follow Arrowhead Pride on Social Media​

• Facebook: Click here to like our page
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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...med-4th-most-complete-team-heading-into-draft

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

AP Premier: Re-grading the Chiefs’ last three drafts

What is Arrowhead Pride Premier? Arrowhead Pride Premier is our tri-weekly newsletter, one that provides analysis and exclusive insights directly from Arrowhead Stadium, delivered straight to your inbox. Below is a preview of the latest edition. Click here for the last preview.

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How do the Chiefs’ last three draft classes grade out today?​

By Pete Sweeney

The NFL Draft is fast approaching – now just two weeks from tomorrow. Soon, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach will hold his pre-draft press conference, which often gives us a strong sense of how he truly feels about the class as a whole.

Over the next couple of weeks – and especially after each draft night – national analysts will share their grades on the Chiefs’ selections.

In this newsletter, we’ll put those grades into perspective, using Chad Reuter’s “final quick-snap grades” from NFL.com for comparison.

The 2024 draft class: A (Reuter’s article)

Players: Texas WR Xavier Worthy (No. 28 overall) BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia (No. 63) TCU TE Jared Wiley (No. 131) Washington State DB Jaden Hicks (No. 133) Penn State OL Hunter Nourzad (No. 159) Tennessee DB Kamal Hadden (No. 211) Holy Cross OL C.J. Hanson (No. 248)

Worthy demonstrated why he deserved the “A” grade from Reuter, as did Hicks, who appears poised to start at safety in 2025 with the departure of Justin Reid. For now, the jury is still out on the rest of the class.

Suamataia struggled as an NFL offensive tackle, and so now we’ll see how he fares at left guard. Wiley showed some promise, but a torn ACL in an early November practice ended his season prematurely. The Chiefs like Nourzad, who may sneak his way into the left guard conversation as he backs up Creed Humphrey at center. Hadden now plays for the Green Bay Packers, and right now, Hanson probably projects as a 2025 practice-squad player.

Reuter praised Kansas City for not reaching on Suamataia, noting he could work into the lineup with improved footwork, but that never materialized. Still, I like the class overall. Worthy and Hicks should be important players for the team in Year 2. We’ll see what the future holds for Wiley, Nourzad and Hanson.

Re-graded 2024 class: B (for now)

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What else is in this edition?​

• Pete re-grades the previous two NFL drafts (2023 and 2022)
• Our Rocky Magaña presents three tricky scenarios that the Chiefs could possibly face during the 2025 NFL Draft.
• A link to the full hour-long episode of the “Editors Show” (preview below).

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The Editors Show​

Here is a preview of this week’s Editors Show featuring Stephen Serda and John Dixon.

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What else is included in a subscription?​

During the offseason, we provide a weekly update on Wednesday, with additional coverage on major events, such as free agency and the NFL Draft. During the season, You can expect 3 weekly newsletters, as outlined below:

• In our game preview newsletter on Thursdays, Pete shares his three thoughts heading into the game, Rocky Magaña highlights a pivotal matchup to watch — and John Dixon shares some background on one of the upcoming game’s biggest storylines.
• In our post-game newsletter, Pete shares his three thoughts stemming from each performance, Ron Kopp delivers his very first look at the film — and Jared Sapp captures everything being said about the turning point of the game.
• Brandon Kiley is our in-season Arrowhead Pride Premier Tuesday columnist.

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How to sign up for Arrowhead Pride Premier​

Subscribe today through this link for even more Chiefs coverage this season — and right now, we have a coupon code to give you 25% off for the entire year.

Enter coupon code PODCAST25 to receive 25% off your annual subscription.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/9/24404874/ap-premier-re-grading-the-chiefs-last-three-drafts

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Can you guess this Chiefs d-lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chiefs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Arrowhead Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Arrowhead Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

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Arrowhead Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chiefs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/4/10/24405280/sb-nation-chiefs-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson could be an inside disruptor for the Chiefs

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Nebraska defensive tackle plays with brute strength and impressive athletic ability.

The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and the Kansas City Chiefs could be in the defensive tackle market.

A prospect worth watching will be Nebraska defensive tackle Ty Robinson. He brings a blend of brute strength and impressive athletic ability to the position and has the potential to be a top-100 pick in this year's draft.

Player profile​

A four-year starter at Nebraska, Robinson had a breakout 2024 season where he recorded seven sacks, four batted passes and a forced fumble. At the NFL Combine in March, Robinson put on a show.

Ty Robinson is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.89 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 24 out of 2022 DT from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/x0sU5Xfuj6 pic.twitter.com/9yH0QpX6Iq

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 1, 2025​

Robinson ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any defensive tackle at the combine and had strong performances on the other athletic testing drills.

At 6’5” and 288 pounds, he is on the lighter side of defensive tackles, and his arms are only 32.5” long, but this is where he uses his superior strength and impressive movement ability to make ground.

Robinson won snaps in college with his quickness off the snap, brute strength and hot motor.

Distruptor in the middle​

Robinson’s athletic ability jumps off the screen when viewing his tape. In both the run and pass games, he used a tremendous first step and good quickness to quickly disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Ty Robinson has a great first step and could be a big-time disrupter in the NFL. Great quickness to beat the C across his face, and blow up the power look before it can even get going. pic.twitter.com/hidSB3oZ9V

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 8, 2025​

Built like a tank, Robinson’s simple “move forward and go through anyone in your way” play style helped him create havoc in offensive backfields.

Illinois is running power, and the center is tasked with blocking Robinson. Quickly reading the play, Robinson goes over the top of the center's block and nearly beats the pulling guard to the hole.

The back has nowhere to go, and Robinson engulfs him. This disruption showed up in his run defense and his pass-rush looks.

Ty Robinson is splitting through the slide protection to put pressure on the QB. He doesn't quite get home in time, but the QB throws a bad pass that is intercepted. Good pad level and leverage to create the pressure. pic.twitter.com/kgbia2vT7F

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 8, 2025​

Robinson starts his pass rush working into the slide side protection. Initially, the center and left guard are on him, but the center leaves to take on another defender due to the line stunt.

Robinson had fought through the initial double team and delivered a big shot to the left guard, knocking him off balance.

This allows him to split both blockers and work his way into the pocket. Due to the pressure, the quarterback quickly delivers the ball, which is intercepted.

Robinson didn't get a sack, but his pressure forced a quick off-balance throw from the quarterback, and turned into a big play for his team.

Motor and athletic ability​

With his excellent play strength and movement ability, Robinson already has the tools to be a successful defensive tackle in the NFL, but his motor skills make him a special player. He goes as hard as he can when the ball is snapped through the echo of the whistle, and he is often rewarded for his efforts.

Ty Robinson has a big motor, and with his speed he can create second-effort plays. Although he doesn't create any pressure right away, once the QB scrambles, he quickly pursues. He closes in on the QB and strips the ball, forcing a turnover. pic.twitter.com/wA4vWma63W

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 8, 2025​

Robinson doesn't initially create pressure, but as the quarterback scrambles, he shows off his speed. He runs down the quarterback in stride and forces the fumble, which his teammate recovers.

During his time at Nebraska, Robinson swatted down an impressive 12 passes, which is even more remarkable considering his arm length is on the shorter side for a defensive lineman.

Ty Robinson with the good hand-eye coordination to jump up and swat down the pass at the LOS. The 33" vertical on display. pic.twitter.com/RX3eGvEujA

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 8, 2025​

Plays like this are where his impressive vertical is on full display.

Unable to create pressure, Robinson stays active around the line of scrimmage and does a tremendous job of timing up the quarterback's release and getting vertical to knock it down.

On plays where he doesn't create initial penetration, Robinson uses his strength and lateral mobility to play multiple gaps on the line of scrimmage.

Robinson doesn't create any pressure here, but he does a good job of locking out the center and reading which way the QB goes. Good work to get off the block and make the stop before the scramble could get going. pic.twitter.com/0DqGuyK8B8

— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 8, 2025​

Lined up as the 0 nose tackle, Robinson doesn't create any initial pressure, but this is a designed quarterback run.

The guards both slowly start to leak downfield, and when the quarterback feels the linebackers start to drop, and the edge rushers get upfield, he takes off.

There appears to be a good amount of space for him to operate, but Robinson read the play perfectly, locks out the center — and when the quarterback picks a side, Robinson fights his way off the block and brings the quarterback down at the line of scrimmage for no gain.

This play could have easily been a big rip for the offense, but Robinson ensured there would be no gain by staying stout and fighting through the block.

The bottom line​

Robinson’s draft stock has varied from being a top-100 pick by some analysts to a late Day 3 selection by others.

He is on the older side of prospects, and will be 24 by the time the NFL season rolls around in September, meaning he will need to find the field sooner rather than later to have a long-lasting career in the NFL.

There are also some red flags with his lack of length and weight. He doesn't have the long arms needed to be a traditional pass rushing 3-technique or 4i in the NFL, and his 288-pound frame leaves him a little light to be a traditional run stuffer.

All that aside, though, he is an impressive prospect — one the Chiefs could and should value, and a player with a serious chance to be taken in the top 100 picks in the draft.

Robinson doesn't project to be an every-down player immediately in his career. Still, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen could utilize his versatility and athletic ability as an asset with the various fronts the Chiefs play in any game.

The high motor and athletic profile would also be a tremendous fit for a Kansas City defense that has looked faster and more explosive every season under Spagnuolo.

Robinson would get his fair share of one-on-one looks up front for the Chiefs, where he could showcase his disruptive play style and eventually impact the game.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ft-nebraska-ty-robinson-disruptor-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

On the draft board: Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish has traits the Chiefs like

Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Could one of the players who participated in the team’s recent local pro day make it to Kansas City?

While many of those who attended the Kansas City Chiefs’ local pro day on Monday are longshots to make it to the NFL, several of the participating players will probably be selected during this month’s draft.

Among them, Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish might hear his name called first. In his 2025 draft guide, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has ranked him as the 67th-best prospect.

Here’s what to know about this former Wildcat.

Background​

Parrish may be familiar to you. A product of Olathe North High School, he committed to Kansas State in 2022 as a three-star recruit. He started 24 games over the last two seasons in Manhattan, totaling 102 tackles and five interceptions. He was also credited with five tackles for loss and half a sack.

Jacob Parrish is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.81 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 328 out of 2752 CB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/MCcOQcoqsD pic.twitter.com/9AbuuQklpu

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 3, 2025​

After the season, Parrish was invited to the Senior Bowl. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Parrish turned in an outstanding 4.35-second 40-yard dash. Two weeks before the draft, that speed (and a 37.5-inch vertical jump) has made him a hot name — even though he checked in a little under 5 feet 10.

Film evaluation​

For any top college cornerback, the best testament to their talent is a scarcity of game film. This is true for Parrish. In 2024, much of the action against K-State’s defense was across the field from where he was aligned.

Looking at Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish who attended the Chiefs' local day (#67 on Dane Brugler's top 100).

Rarely seen on game film because few targets come his way. Here he steers the receiver to the sideline to render the throw harmless. pic.twitter.com/Eszo9JCrep

— Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) April 10, 2025​

Here — while lined up outside — Parrish has a target come his way. But the receiver is shifted so far to the sideline that there is little danger of a completion.

Cornerbacks who want to play in Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit must be willing to do the dirty work in run support — even if they are undersized players like Parrish.

Any cornerback playing for Steve Spagnuolo must be willing to come up for run support. Parrish is more than willing. Here are two clips of him being first in on Arizona State's Cam Skattebo, despite the 25 pound weight difference. pic.twitter.com/YswZbFxFHw

— Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) April 10, 2025​

In these clips against Arizona’s much larger running back Cam Skattebo, Parrish is fearless. On the first play, he correctly determines that the receiver in motion is a decoy, allowing him to lunge forward to help stop Skattebo — a potential Day 2 pick — for minimal gain.

In college, Parrish saw plenty of action aligned outside. But because of his size, he’ll probably begin his NFL career in the slot — where he will get more chances as a free blitzer than he did at Kansas State.

Here Parrish blitzes out of the slot. He is momentarily slowed by the tight end but rebounds to force a big retreat from the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/0nW5T3f5ty

— Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) April 10, 2025​

As we see here, Parrish will need to disguise his intentions better. But his speed certainly shows when he is sent after the quarterback.

Occasionally, Parrish’s limitations show against bigger receivers.

The 5'10 Parrish will likely find a role in the NFL, but his size will show against bigger receivers. The catch is made over Parrish for a short first down conversion. His sure tackling, fortunately, prevents a larger gain. pic.twitter.com/S2BT8gzhr5

— Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) April 10, 2025​

In this play, Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson high-points the ball; there is no realistic way for Parrish to prevent the completion. Since Tyson is listed at 6 feet 1, that’s concerning; in the NFL, Parrish can expect to face multiple receivers who are even taller. But this play also shows his solid tackling.

So a smart team will primarily use his coverage ability (and fundamentals) from the slot — similar to how the Chiefs have used cornerback Trent McDuffie so successfully.

The physical coverage that Kansas City covets can sometimes lead to penalties — and last season, Parrish was flagged in coverage four times. This is not surprising. Smaller cornerbacks playing against bigger receivers are sometimes a magnet for penalties.

Parrish shows many traits the Chiefs have preferred in their CBs under Spagnuolo. Unfortunately, that playing style will always bring the potential for penalties. Shorter corners like Parrish also frequently seem under the microscope for calls when covering bigger wideouts pic.twitter.com/fK7M90S4vt

— Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) April 10, 2025​

Whether or not the pass interference penalty on this later rep against Tyson was merited can be debated — but Parrish’s playing style (just like most of the Chiefs’ recent corners) will always be susceptible to aggressive officiating.

The bottom line​

Parrish will likely hear his name called before the end of Day 2. He has a solid chance for a long, productive career. His fit on Kansas City’s current roster, however, would be curious.

This offseason, the Chiefs signed former Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Kristian Fulton to add a boundary presence. Presumably, Fulton’s acquisition was intended to allow McDuffie to stay in the slot, where he is one of the league’s best defenders.

Although McDuffie is a capable outside defender, we sometimes saw limitations against bigger outside receivers after Jaylen Watson was injured. Parrish — who is even shorter than McDuffie — may have more trouble working outside at the next level.

Still, over the last two seasons, Watson and Fulton have missed 19 games between them; cornerback should still be a need for Kansas City. Expect the team to target a player who profiles better as a boundary corner, since returning players Chamarri Conner and Christian Roland-Wallace have also played in the slot; they could provide a cushion for a short McDuffie absence.

The Chiefs have recently shown a willingness to draft for the best value — even when a player doesn’t fill an immediate need. Linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Jaden Hicks are prime examples of this phenomenon. If Parrish is still on the board late in the third or fourth round, the team could decide his talent trumps their other needs.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...s-state-cb-jacob-parrish-has-the-right-traits

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

In this week’s ‘Reacts’ poll, Chiefs’ fans are confident about 2025

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Sign up here to join SB Nation NFL Reacts.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Kansas City Chiefs fans. You can see all of the recent survey results here.

And be sure to check out FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

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The Chiefs’ over/under for 2025​

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FanDuel Sportsbook has released their over/under bets for all of the NFL’s teams in the 2025 season. So we wondered: would Kansas City fans take the ‘over’ or the ‘under’ on 11.5 wins? By an overwhelming majority, Chiefs’ fans believe the team will collect at least 12 wins this season.

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AFC West championship​

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Perhaps it seems obvious, but we also wondered whether the team’s fans think it will extend its streak of division championships to a full decade. By an even larger margin, Kansas City fans said they would.

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Click here to see other recent survey results.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...poll-april-11-plenty-of-confidence-about-2025

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

What would a redshirt draft for the Chiefs look like?

Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

What if Kansas City used its draft picks on players who needed a year of development?

Leading into the NFL Draft, we’ll develop different mock draft scenarios and what the Kansas City Chiefs should do in response to those situations. These aren’t predictions on what we think will happen, but what would be the right course of action should the specific circumstance play out.

Mock drafts are often based on each team’s current needs for the coming season. But we rarely think about what happens beyond a player’s rookie season — and we should. After all, a draft selection represents a four or five-year core investment. Sometimes a team doesn’t expect much from a drafted player during their rookie season, but is anticipating greater production during the rest of their rookie contract.

So let’s consider four prospects who might not give the Chiefs much help in 2025 — but with a redshirt year to grow and develop, could become valuable contributors in 2026 and beyond.

Round 1 (31): CB Trey Amos, Mississippi​

The Chiefs should feel good about their starting cornerbacks, but there are some questions beyond the coming season. It’s very likely Trent McDuffie will be given a contract extension, but Jaylen Watson will probably become a free agent — and given his injury history, Kristian Fulton could easily be released to save $5 million in cap space. Drafting Amos could give the team some insurance for 2026.

As an older prospect, the 23-year-old might play immediately — and to his credit, I think he could. Among the cornerbacks likely to be available at 31, he’s my favorite. The others are Benjamin Morrison of Notre Dame and Shavon Revel Jr. of East Carolina. Revel just turned 24 and is coming off an ACL injury. The 21-year-old Morrison is the better bet in terms of age, but has had multiple hip injuries; there are questions about how he recovers athletically.

Ole Miss/Alabama CB Trey Amos against Xavier Worthy, Brock Bowers, Roman Wilson, and Brian Thomas.

Then just some dope plays at the end. pic.twitter.com/Eyh2n3LxEl

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) March 31, 2025​

Trey Amos' field/route awareness + PBUs from this year. The IQ and instincts jump out drastically in his reps pic.twitter.com/XesU5Fk6Bx

— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) March 26, 2025​

Amos is best in in zone coverage, where his speed, ball skills and instincts to sink on routes are big advantages — but he can also thrive in man coverage. While he isn’t super long or physical, he does have quick, fluid feet to match releases and routes.

In 2024, Kansas City played more quarters coverages — where Amos would be great — but since he can also play in man coverages, he’s a great scheme fit for any defense. That’s especially true for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s versatile scheme.

Round 2 (63): TE Mason Taylor, LSU​

It usually takes years to develop an NFL tight end, so it’s important to acquire one before Travis Kelce retires. I think it’s better to get with elite receiving traits — a harder-to-find skillset — but who still needs more strength development. Taylor fits that bill.

I like Mason Taylor as a flex TE a fair bit. Good fluidity for his size and understands how to run routes to create separation. Makes some nice out-of-frame catches, too.

Reminds me of Tyler Higbee. https://t.co/6defjOhEsc pic.twitter.com/w2cWmNkq8K

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 26, 2025​

Mason Taylor (#86) receptions against Florida

Taylor is a smooth athlete at TE that nicely transitions in and out of his route breaks and can really eat up ground with his strides. pic.twitter.com/8wvbUi8HTG

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 9, 2025​

A smooth athlete who can use his agility to create separation from defenders, Taylor doesn’t lose speed on his cuts. While he isn’t a very explosive route runner, he can still win on any route over the middle of the field. Taylor has the instincts to find holes in zone coverage and open space on scramble drills — and can beat man coverage, too.

The problem is that Taylor needs plenty of work as a blocker. LSU did its best to keep him out of their running game — because when he was asked to block, it rarely went well. If Taylor never had to block, he’d be a top-50 prospect.

But this doesn’t mean he’ll never be able to do it. He might just need a few years to improve his blocking. Taylor has just turned 21 — and at 6 feet 5 and 250 pounds, he has the frame to get stronger. He could use a redshirt rookie season to mold his body into what he will need in the NFL.

Round 3 (66): S Andrew Mukaba, Texas​

In 2026, Bryan Cook will be a free agent — and I would love Mukaba as his replacement.

He isn’t a Cook clone. Instead, he is a quarters safety who is elite in the box and triggering downhill on runs. A great tackler and run-support player, he does have some limitations in coverage — but as the Chiefs transition to a quarters defense, Mukaba would fit right in.

Andrew Mukaba with the hit of the year
pic.twitter.com/xoPhfX9dGC

— Chuy Vasquez (@loslonghorns) December 8, 2024​

With Mukaba alongside Jaden Hicks, Kansas City would have two huge, athletic, explosive safeties who can tackle in space and blow up runs. I would love watching that.

Round 3 (95): DT Joshua Farmer, Florida State​

While the Chiefs need defensive tackles in 2025, I selected a project player who needs development for this exercise.

In 2024, Florida State was a mess, going 2-10. The team’s players weren’t well-developed (and the vibe was poor from the start), so it’s hard to glean too much from the tape.

Joshua Farmer is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 7.84 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 411 out of 1898 DT from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/Dg5DSK9auN pic.twitter.com/OMQwp538es

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 28, 2025​

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joshua Farmer

Farmer, a 4-year player from FSU, is a versatile DT that could slot into a 3-4 scheme as an end or a 4-3 scheme as a DT.

Pros:
Maintains good pad level.
Explosive first couple of steps.
Has ideal size and strength to… pic.twitter.com/3UARUKcdP5

— Due Champions (@DueChampions) April 8, 2025​

Still, Farmer showed high-level traits. He has elite length, decent size and a dynamic first step that lets him get into the backfield. While he has some pass-rushing juice, he can also defend against the run.

Before he can become an NFL starter, though, Farmer needs better pad level and more tools in his pass-rushing bag — but he has the traits to become a high-impact defender. He just needs time to develop.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...-prospects-could-benefit-from-redshirt-season

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Arrowheadlines: Don’t expect the Chiefs to draft a left tackle in the first round

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs headlines for Saturday, April 12

The latest​

Chiefs and the ‘The Beast’: Left tackles, pass rushers and a Travis Kelce understudy? | The Athletic

Don’t expect the Chiefs to draft a left tackle prospect in the first round

We have to remember that one of the wildest statistics of the Chiefs’ dynasty is this: They have started a different left tackle in each of their five Super Bowl appearances over the last six years. They will have a different left tackle to start Week 1 in 2025, too. But looking at the prospects at the position this year, it’s even more understandable why the Chiefs signed Moore in free agency.

Just six left tackles earned a first- or second-round grade from Brugler — and some of them better fit a zone-heavy scheme. Three of the top four prospects at the position — Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri) and Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) — are not expected to be available for the Chiefs, especially if the team doesn’t trade up from the 31st pick.

2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade down, Saints move into top five for QB, Cowboys add big WR | CBS Sports

Round 1 - Pick 31

Grey Zabel IOL

North Dakota State • Sr • 6’6” / 312 lbs

Andy Reid’s offense needs a better line after Super Bowl LIX’s embarrassing defeat. With Joe Thuney gone and questions remaining at left tackle, the gritty and versatile Zabel could be the perfect addition as a utility man of sorts.

Breaking: Eagles Terrace Marshall Signing Could Signal NFL Blockbuster Jahan Dotson Trade | Last Word on Sports​

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are in a weird position in terms of their wide receiving department. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice will only get better on the field as long as they can stay out of trouble. Depending on what happens with them, they should add another wide receiver. Dotson won’t get many touches here, but he would be a part of a winning culture, and who knows, Patrick Mahomes could bring out the best in him like he did with Justin Watson.

The state of all 32 franchises heading into the 2025 NFL Draft | PFF

Kansas City Chiefs

Remaining Starter Needs: Dl

Remaining Depth/Future Needs: OL, RB, TE, CB

Tershawn Wharton is now a Panther, leaving veteran Mike Pennel projected to start next to Chris Jones, although Pennel registered only a 59.4 PFF overall grade on 387 snaps a year ago. In turn, Kansas City will likely seek a long-term game-wrecker on the inside, potentially as early as the first round.

Gennaro Filice 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0: RB Ashton Jeanty goes top 5! Cowboys jump for Jalon Walker | NFL.com

31 - Kansas City Chiefs

Mike Green

Marshall · Edge · Junior (RS)

Green’s a difficult prospect to project, given the off-field allegations he addressed at the combine. The on-field production speaks for itself, as Green just led the nation with 17 sacks. And although many of those came against Sun Belt competition, he tallied three sacks and a bunch of pressures in nonconference games against Virginia Tech and Ohio State. A twitched-up edge rusher whose motor always runs hot, Green could be a steal for K.C. if he falls this far and Andy Reid’s comfortable with his character.

Around the NFL​

NFL Bans 7 Helmet Models, Makes Others ‘Guardian Cap Optional’ After Rule Change | Bleacher Report

According to Matt Moret of The Athletic, the league banned seven different helmet models.

Ten other models were also deemed “Guardian Cap optional,” meaning that they perform well enough that the NFL won’t require players with those helmets to wear a Guardian Cap during training camp or practices.

Players at every position outside of quarterbacks, kickers and punters were required to wear the caps during training camp heading into the 2024 season.

Reports — Derek Carr has shoulder injury, Saints status iffy | ESPN

The Saints are scheduled to begin their offseason training program Monday. The injury now puts Carr’s attendance in question as the team begins its first 2025 preparations under new coach Kellen Moore.

Carr has not played a game since he broke several bones in his non-throwing hand in a Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants. He missed seven games total in 2024 due to oblique and hand injuries, and the Saints started Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener in his place.

Patrick Peterson to Announce Retirement From NFL As Member of Cardinals | SI

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday that Peterson will be in Arizona on Monday to retire as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, putting an end to his 13-year NFL career. Peterson appeared to hint as much in an Instagram post earlier this week, writing “It was nothing like taking flight with the bird gang on Sundays. See you next week [Cardinals].”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Chiefs Draft: Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish has the right traits

Background

Parrish may be familiar to you. A product of Olathe North High School, he committed to Kansas State in 2022 as a three-star recruit. He started 24 games over the last two seasons in Manhattan, totaling 102 tackles and five interceptions. He was also credited with five tackles for loss and half a sack.

Jacob Parrish is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.81 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 328 out of 2752 CB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/MCcOQcoqsD pic.twitter.com/9AbuuQklpu

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 3, 2025​

After the season, Parrish was invited to the Senior Bowl. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Parrish turned in an outstanding 4.35-second 40-yard dash. Two weeks before the draft, that speed (and a 37.5-inch vertical jump) has made him a hot name — even though he checked in a little under 5 feet 10.

Social media to make you think​

What kind of player could Cam Ward become in the NFL?

"As a prospect, [Cam Ward] is the closest thing to Patrick Mahomes since Patrick Mahomes." pic.twitter.com/2mhXNvdOGW

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 11, 2025​

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