Chiefs 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0
The Kansas City Chiefs have just over a month until the 2023 NFL Draft, which means the NFL offseason is in full swing.
Free agency saw general manager Brett Veach make multiple additions to the team's roster, including adding depth along the offensive and defensive lines, the linebacking corps and the secondary. As this article is being published, Kansas City still has quite the assortment of draft picks to work with that can be used to navigate up and down the board or even be swapped in exchange for proven talents. The Chiefs' options certainly won't be limited over the next month-plus, and that extends to April's draft.
With a bit of time having passed since Mock Draft Roundup 1.0, there are plenty of updated mock drafts from around the football world. Who is projected to become a Chief in the first round? Let's take a look.
All mocks are updated as of March 20.
Pro Football Network: Dawand Jones (OT, Ohio State)
For the second time in a row, Dawand Jones is leading off the Arrowhead Report Chiefs mock roundup. The 374-pound mammoth of a tackle is one of the more physically imposing presences in this year's draft class, and the Chiefs have a clear need at right tackle with Jawaan Taylor likely shifting to the left side and Andrew Wylie leaving for Washington. Lucas Niang can't be counted on completely, so Kansas City would be wise to bring in some external competition. From Ian Cummings' seven-round mock draft for PFN:
Acquiring Jawaan Taylor was big for the Chiefs, but there’s still a void on the right side that needs to be filled. Dawand Jones can fill it and then some. At 6’8“, 374 pounds, with 36 3/8” arms, he’s truly one of the biggest humans alive. That size alone makes him a towering spectacle at right tackle, but he has underrated feet and hands as well.
Draft Network: Derick Hall (EDGE, Auburn)
Derick Hall was a popular name in the first roundup as well, and Brentley Weissman's pick for the Chiefs on the Draft Network follows that trend. Hall impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine and has a motor that gives him an intriguing profile at the next level. The Auburn Tigers standout isn't quite what Steve Spagnuolo typically prefers from his defensive ends, but perhaps the influence of defensive line coach Joe Cullen could lead to a selection of Hall — even if the value at 31 isn't great. Here's what Weissman had to say about the pick:
With the loss of Frank Clark, the Chiefs now have a need for additional pass rush and they fill that need in this NFL mock draft with Derrick Hall. Hall is a long and explosive edge rusher who has very strong hands and base. He plays with his hair on fire and would fit in very well in this young but talented Chiefs defense.
Pro Football Focus: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
Trevor Sikkema comes up with an interesting selection for the Chiefs with the 31st overall pick: a tight end!
It isn't all that far-fetched, as Kansas City has yet to add a bona fide top receiver to their wideout room and a lot of pressure is being placed on Travis Kelce to continue being one of the best pass-catchers in the entire NFL. Kelce will be 34 in October, though, and bringing in someone capable of spelling him from time to time would be a smart move. Kincaid has already met with the Chiefs pre-draft and had eight touchdowns in his final season with the Utes. One of the best tight end prospects in this year's class, passing on Kincaid might prove to be too difficult if he's available at pick No. 31. More from Sikkema:
With JuJu Smith-Schuster gone, the Chiefs could try to replace him with one of the wide receivers left. But the best options on this board are players of smaller size, which the Chiefs still have. Instead, they could switch it up and take a chance on a receiving tight end to pair with Travis Kelce. I like the size option with Kincaid.
CBS Sports: Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State)
Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports goes with Iowa State's Will McDonald to Kansas City at the end of the first round. The No. 11 EDGE/defensive end on their board and the 71st-ranked prospect overall, this pick feels like a reach for a player who doesn't come remotely close to fitting the traditional Spagnuolo prototype. McDonald's 34 collegiate sacks and his upside give him a solid draft profile without a doubt, but the fit and value aren't suitable for this offering. Stackpole kept his analysis short and sweet:
The Chiefs replace Frank Clark with the explosive and tough-to-block Will McDonald IV.
DraftKings: Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina)
In the DraftKings post-free agency mock draft, Nick Simon gives Patrick Mahomes another weapon to throw to. UNC's Josh Downs isn't a boundary starter, though, as he measured up 5-foot-9 and weighed 171 pounds at the Combine. He brings a plus profile as a vertical field-stretcher and competes for the ball better than someone his size should, but his play strength and role versatility still remain questionable as he heads to the NFL. Downs got plenty of free releases off the line of scrimmage in college and is more of a Day Two draftable talent than a pick to close out the first round. Simon didn't provide any analysis for his projected choice.
