NGS Analyst Predicts Chiefs Trading Up to Get This Cornerstone

One of the most accurate prognosticators sees the Kansas City Chiefs going after Texas Longhorns prospect.

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mock drafts are intriguing but most obviously fall far short in the accuracy department, especially later in the first round. Well, Next Gen Stats analyst Mike Band has been much more accurate than most, and he sees the Kansas City Chiefs trading up on April 24.

Band said Monday he expects the Chiefs to target Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks. Moving up seven spots in the first round in a trade with Minnesota, Kansas City would avoid the dismal history associated with the 31st selection. The Chiefs would also keep AFC rival Houston from drafting the coveted prospect.

“Just like in my first mock,” Band wrote, “the Chiefs trade up to No. 24 to secure their long-term answer at left tackle, leapfrogging Houston, a team that could also target offensive line help at No. 25. The last time the Chiefs came off a Lombardi Trophy-free season, GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid made a similar move up the board to secure a need and draft cornerback Trent McDuffie.”

They secured McDuffie as the flagship player in a draft class that has a chance to make NFL history this season. If they’re able to get a player like Banks to protect Patrick Mahomes, along with a healthy receiving corps and Travis Kelce on a mission, much more history surely lies ahead.

Some think the left tackle’s stock has fallen since he was widely considered a top-five selection at one point. But getting a prospect like that at 24 would be a steal for Kansas City. Rated by Pro Football Focus as the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle, Banks graded out at 88.2. He also played Georgia twice, as well as Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Clemson and eventual national champion Ohio State.

Band has a refined system for assembling mock drafts, helping him achieve the fifth-most accurate score among national experts over the last five years, according to TheHuddleReport.com. Last year, his mock draft ranked second in accuracy among 172 entries, and his resume includes the most accurate first-round mock draft on record, from 2009.

“This is now the 21st straight year I've assembled a first-round mock draft,” Band said. “As mentioned in my last first-round simulation, my approach is research-driven: I blend insider reports, team needs, scheme fits, apparent organizational philosophies and betting odds to connect dots and predict what each club's decision makers will do when they're on the clock.”

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