The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason continues with the 2022 NFL Draft. With 12 draft picks at their disposal (four picks in the top 60), this will be a great opportunity for the organization to bolster a Super Bowl-ready team that’s in need of multiple positions.
For this mock draft, I have one rule I want to set in stone. There will be NO TRADES. While I do believe that the Chiefs could trade up for a player they like or trade down to gain more draft capital, the assumption here is that general manager Brett Veach stays put for every pick.
29th Pick – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The 6’4” wide receiver would provide a physical upgrade for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also has a great catch radius that would thrive in the end zone. However, Pickens does carry some baggage.
His off-the-field behavior and recent bad interviews stick out, but going to an organization like the Chiefs can “fix” him. He has to work on his route running to pick up more snaps and add some muscle to beat tough DBs one-on-one. However, he could be the true WR1 the Chiefs desperately need to reach the next level.
30th Pick – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Cine is one of my favorite players entering the draft. He’s simply a menace on the field. His hit-stick tackles, ability to cover multiple players and leadership reminds me of guys like Tyrann Mathieu and Harrison Smith.
Simply put, having a player who is versatile and physical will give Kansas City a tougher secondary.
50th Pick – Travis Jones, IDL, Connecticut
While picking a defensive tackle over an edge rusher is questionable, having a talent like Travis Jones drop to the 50th overall pick is rare. His physical traits and athleticism make him a great day one starter, while he can still develop as a pass rusher and run stuffer under Chris Jones. He can also replace Jones if he leaves during free agency.
62nd Pick – Josh Pascal, DE, Kentucky
While it isn’t ideal for Kansas City to take a DE this late, they still get a solid player in Josh Pascal. In this case, his physical metrics (32+ inch arms, 6’3”, 268 lbs) make him the prototypical Steve Spagnuolo-type player.
He also is a great run defender, something the Chiefs desperately need on the outside. He’ll have to work on his pass-rushing technique to be a difference maker on defense, but he still can step up and be a great player.
94th Pick – Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
Troy Andersen is this year’s project pick. The former running back converted into an every-down linebacker for Montana State, but his development will take a while. However, guys like Nick Bolton and Willie Gay could show him how the position is played at an NFL level. With some time behind them, Andersen can blossom into an elite linebacker.
103rd Pick – Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State
The loss of Chavarious Ward means that Kansas City needs a press-man corner who can play on the boundary. Joshua Williams would be an excellent fit here. The competition will be tougher, but he can turn into a great player with time.
121st Pick – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Pierce is an underrated wideout in this draft. His frame and catch radius make him a tremendous endzone threat for Mahomes while he continues to work on his technical traits.
135th Pick – Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Coby Bryant is the steal of the draft in my mock draft. He worked under one of the best prospects in the draft (Ahmad Gardner) and did an excellent job in Cincinnati. He can thrive in Spagnolo’s defense and potentially be a starter.
233rd Pick – Chase Allen, TE, Iowa State
Chase Allen falling here allows for Kansas City to pick a great tight end who is energetic. While he would be a backup tight end, he can still produce under special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
243rd Pick – Smoke Monday, S, Auburn
Aside from the gnarly name, Smoke Monday can be the next Daniel Sorenson. Monday can play the box safety position, excelling as a tackler and a blitzer. He would also be a great depth piece for the special teams too.
251st Pick – Taylad Humphrey, IDL, Louisiana
Tayland Humphrey isn’t a sure-fire starter per say, but he can be a decent rotation piece.
