Chiefs Mock Draft With Perfect Mix of Offense and Defense
With the 2023 NFL Draft quickly approaching, mock draft season is in full effect. It’s no different here at Arrowhead Report. For reference, I’ve done one four-round mock strictly selecting defensive players for the Kansas City Chiefs and a four-round mock draft strictly selecting offensive players the following week.
This time, let's dive into a full seven-round mock draft with the Chiefs alternating between offensive and defensive players with each pick.
Round 1, Pick 31: TRADE
Indianapolis Colts trade:
- 2023: Round 2, Pick 35
- 2023: Round 3, Pick 79
Kansas City Chiefs trade:
- 2023: Round 1, Pick 31
- 2023: Round 3, Pick 95
This may not be a popular move among those who will be hanging out at Union Station on the first night of the NFL Draft in Kansas City, but could it make the team better in the long run? That’s all that matters to general manager Brett Veach and, in the end, that’s what should matter to fans.
Round 2, Pick 35 (from Colts): Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Chiefs trade back and snag big offensive lineman: Dawand Jones, who has been the starting right tackle for Ohio State. The 6’8”, 375-pound man with 36-inch arms has the upside to be an elite offensive lineman at the next level and should compete for a starting spot from day one. It may not be the most flashy selection, but it could be one that pays off over the next half-decade while the team tries to protect franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Round 2, Pick 63: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Shockingly, Anudike-Uzomah fell into the Chiefs’ lap at the end of the second round. In a previous mock draft, he was taken at the end of the first round. This would be an ideal situation for the Chiefs, able to get bigger and stronger along the offensive and defensive line with their first two selections. Everyone shouting from the rooftops to take a wide receiver may not be happy with the start of this draft, but the Chiefs are looking at the long-term health and well-being of the team when making these selections. Anudike-Uzomah would fit into the rotation starting in Week 1 and has the capability to be a starter in the future.
Round 3, Pick 79 (from Colts): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
The Chiefs get their wide receiver in the middle of the third round. This is the sweet spot for wideouts if a team isn't drafting one in the middle part of the first round. Tillman has the ability to have an immediate impact. He has the size to be able to run through cornerbacks after the catch and he isn’t afraid to make the tough catches over the middle, either. Tillman would be a fantastic third-round selection.
Round 4, Pick 122: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
Brooks would give the Chiefs another rotational piece along the defensive line. The 6’3”, 303-pound defensive lineman was a two-time team captain and led his team in sacks four of the five years he was on campus. Brooks culminated his collegiate career with 50 tackles, including 18 for loss, along with 10 sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. His level of production should certainly give him a chance to get extended playing time early in his career.
Round 4, Pick 134: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Schoonmaker has all of the skills to be a very good tight end in the NFL. He’s already an elite blocker and has the ability to expand his route running and become a better pass catcher as time goes on. One comparison he’s drawn is to Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who has been a very solid NFL player. He'd be a welcome addition to the Chiefs' tight end room.
Round 5, Pick 166: Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
Trice is an interesting prospect. He has incredible size for a cornerback (6’3”, 206 lbs) and some teams may be tempted to move him to safety, but he has the skill set to compete as a rotational outside corner on the Chiefs' roster if they’re willing to take a chance on him.
Round 5, Pick 178: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Back-to-back picks — one offensive and one defensive player — from the Boilermakers might make 2022 first-round pick George Karlaftis a happy camper. Jones says he learned how to become a better route runner by watching videos of Cooper Kupp on YouTube. He can be a zone-beater but won’t always get great separation in man coverage. Andy Reid likes to work with guys like Jones in the quick passing game and he could be utilized in that way. He also has experience returning punts and kicks, which is an added bonus for a player trying to make the roster.
Round 6, Pick 217: Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
Mapu is a do-it-all type of player who would likely make the roster as a special teamer with a chance to play some linebacker on third-down situations. He has the toughness of a linebacker, the instincts of a safety and the cover ability of a corner. That’s a good combo to have, but it leaves him in between positions. He could end up playing a box safety role at the next level.
Round 7, Pick 249: Alex Forsyth, IOL, Oregon
The Chiefs don’t have a need at center with All-Pro Creed Humphrey set to be here for hopefully the next decade, but it’s never a bad idea to have a backup option. Forsyth also has the ability to play guard and would be a versatile backup offensive line piece. Taking a flyer on an offensive lineman in the seventh round seems like a decent choice.
Round 7, Pick 250: Daniel Scott, S, California
Scott is a team captain who is a true “football guy” and will do anything to get on the field. He isn’t the best at reading coverages but playing the center fielder role is more up his alley. Being the final pick would have its challenges to make a defending Super Bowl championship roster, but he’d be a guy to watch for in training camp and as preseason unfolds.
This draft was done using NFL Mock Draft Database and each selection was given an "A+" rating with the exception of Charlie Jones, who was graded a "B+." If the Chiefs can somehow pull off drafting with such balance, it would be an impressive feat that would hopefully help keep their Super Bowl window open for many years to come.
