While many give Patrick Mahomes praise for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII win, the real unsung hero was the 2022 draft class.

  Kansas City fielded nine rookies in the big game, including four starters. As Mahomes’ contract begins to kick in, it will become vital for them to find young talent that can contribute immediately to keep their championship window open.

  Here’s a mock draft that gives the reigning champs the best chance to not only repeat in 2024 but to win for years to come.

Round 1, pick 31: OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State

  The Chiefs need to fill a hole at right tackle and Dawand Jones is a perfect fit. Standing at 6’8” and 374 pounds with 36 3/8-inch long arms, Jones is as big of a tackle as you’ll ever see. He is one of the most refined pass protectors in the class and only allowed five pressures on 419 pass-blocking snaps in 2022. On top of that, Jones is a dominant run blocker who will create massive holes for running back Isiah Pacheco.

Round 2, pick 63: EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn

  An athletic freak built like a Greek god; Hall would bring a much-needed pass rush to the Chiefs’ defensive line. The Tiger alum racked up 19.5 career collegiate sacks in his four years against some of the best offensive linemen in the country. He needs to improve in space, especially in the run game, but with good coaching that should be fixable.

Round 3, pick 95: TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

  This class is super deep at the tight end position. With Travis Kelce nearing 34, the Chiefs need to invest in the future. The combination of strength and urgency as an accelerator makes for one of the more unique prospects in this class. While his stats might not jump off the page, Kraft’s tape suggests he has what it takes to be a starter at the next level.

Round 4, pick 122: CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky

  The Chiefs took five defensive backs in last year’s draft and will look to add depth in 2023. Valentine has all the physical traits you look for in an elite-level cornerback. With the Chiefs’ track record of developing young secondary players, he will flourish.

Round 4, pick 134: WR Parker Washington, Penn State

  The need for a receiver is obvious, and Parker Washington fits exactly what the Chiefs need. He possesses elite ball skills and the toughness to make contested catches. He is built like a slot receiver at 5’10” and 204 pounds, but showed in college he can go outside and create separation. Give Andy Reid a kid with the talent of Washington and good things are destined to happen.

Round 5, pick 166: RB Roschon Johnson, Texas

  Running back is a position you can never have too much of in the NFL. With Jerrick McKinnon’s return in question, the Chiefs would be wise to pick one here. Teammate Bijan Robinson at Texas overshadowed Johnson, but when he did get on the field, he looked like a first-round-type player with a mix of pass-blocking prowess and the ability to consistently produce on the ground.

Round 6, pick 178: DT Jaxon Player, Baylor

  A gigantic 300-pound force on the defensive line would provide depth behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, while possibly eating up snaps as a pass rusher on the inside.

Round 6, pick 178: QB Tommy DeVito, Illinois

  While the Chiefs have Mahomes, the past few seasons showed that one play could alter everything. Tommy isn’t starting material, but he doesn’t turn the ball over and that’s what a backup quarterback is supposed to do: keep things in order.

Round 7, pick 249: TE Davis Allen, Clemson

  A key contributor at Clemson the past four seasons, Allen can challenge someone like Blake Bell for a roster spot as a good blocker and a smart player.

Round 7, pick 250: DT Byron Young, Alabama

  Young has exceptional strength and flashed potential as a pass rusher. He could be a rotational piece for the Chiefs’ defensive front, especially with the absence of defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

  The NFL Draft starts on April 27, and for the first time ever will be hosted in Kansas City.

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