Betting markets don't buy Chiefs' Jaylon Moore, Kingsley Suamataia as offensive line solutions ahead of the 2025 NFL draft
Oddsmakers don't seem to be buying the message the Kansas City Chiefs are selling after the 2025 NFL free agency period and ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. The Chiefs completely revamped the left side of their offensive line, trading Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears and signing Jaylon Moore, a former 49ers backup at offensive […]
Oddsmakers don't seem to be buying the message the Kansas City Chiefs are selling after the 2025 NFL free agency period and ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Chiefs completely revamped the left side of their offensive line, trading Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears and signing Jaylon Moore, a former 49ers backup at offensive tackle. Moore is currently projected to be the team's starter at left tackle, while many predict that 2024 second-round draft pick Kingsley Suamataia will be the starter at left guard.
The betting markets don't seem to buy that either player is a solution for Kansas City on the offensive line. Right now, sportsbooks believe the Chiefs will select an offensive lineman in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft (+105 on Fanduel Sportsbook & +100 on DraftKings Sportsbook, for instance). It shouldn't come as a terrible shock when you consider that the Chiefs started four players at left tackle in 2024, and the failures at the position sunk their shot at the three-peat. When you consider mock draft consensus, some of the most popular picks for Kansas City at pick No. 31 include Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr and Ohio State's Joshua Simmons, both left tackles.
The next best odds are defensive lineman/edge rusher (+155 & +175), which also could make some sense. Edge rusher has been among Brett Veach's most popular first draft picks for Kansas City since he took over as general manager. Breeland Speaks in 2018, George Karlaftis in 2022, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah in 2023. A defensive tackle also makes a ton of sense, given the lack of investments made in recent years.
Where do sportsbooks fall short on Chiefs' first pick betting odds?
The biggest potential moneymaker for the betting public might be the skill positions.
Tight end (+2300 and +2200) might be the best value, given where the Chiefs are drafting in Round 1. Given historical trends at the tight end position, they could easily be in range to land Michigan's Colston Loveland or even Penn State's Tyler Warren. There's no question about positional need with Travis Kelce's eventual retirement being the elephant in the room. He's only under contract for one more season in Kansas City, and it feels like this season will likely be his last ride.
Wide receiver (+2700 and +1600) might have the most dissonance among oddsmakers. Yes, the Chiefs have invested picks in the position for three years running, but there are still questions about Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy heading into 2025, both on and off the field. This team knows better than anyone that a few injuries at the position can derail the group for the entire season. They might be keen on adding additional depth and early if it's available.
Even running back (+1500 & +1000) might make some sense for Kansas City. The Clyde Edwards-Helaire wounds from the 2020 NFL draft run deep, but the league seems to be due for an overcorrection from the "running backs don't matter" train of thought after Saquon Barkley lit the league on fire in 2024.
53 prospects who attended Chiefs’ local pro day include several projected 2025 NFL draft picks and some notable absences
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted their local pro day on Monday, April 7.
