A to Z Sports first-round mock draft has Chiefs addressing long-term depth and gives QB Patrick Mahomes another weapon
We are just a little over one month away from the 2025 NFL Draft. By now, teams have a good gauge of what players they believe will be good fits for them. They also have a feel for who will be available during their time to pick, but will also be prepared for players unexpectedly […]
We are just a little over one month away from the 2025 NFL Draft.
By now, teams have a good gauge of what players they believe will be good fits for them. They also have a feel for who will be available during their time to pick, but will also be prepared for players unexpectedly sliding down the draft board.
The first round is, of course, the most exciting. All teams with a first-round pick should be able to find a player who makes a significant impact in year one, or who factors into their plans in a big way down the line.
The later a team picks, the tougher that task becomes, which is what the Chiefs have had to deal with for the last six years. Kansas City has the second-to-last pick (31) in the first round this year, but they can go in many different directions with their selection since they don't really have any roster holes.
A to Z Sports' own Destin Adams released a first-round mock draft on Thursday, and pegged Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for the Chiefs at No. 31 overall. Here is Destin's analysis:
"The Chiefs have tried a lot of WRs over the years but need more quality at the position. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice seem to be a part of the team's long-term plans, and they re-signed Hollywood Brown for the short term. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka is a highly intelligent player who was a significant part of the Buckeye's national championship in 2024. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have had an elite connection for quite some time, but Kelce's time in the NFL is clearly coming to an end very soon. Egbuka's ability when a play breaks down makes him an intriguing option to help soften that blow whenever it comes. The pick may create a logjam at WR for 2025, but I don't think the Chiefs would be worried about it due to the overall long-term fit."
If the Chiefs do take Egbuka, it would mark the fourth year in a row that they've used a high draft pick on a WR. K.C. selected Skyy Moore 54th overall in 2022, Rashee Rice 55th in 2023, and Xavier Worthy 28th in 2024. The early returns on Rice and Worthy have been positive, but Moore has been a bust.
The Chiefs do have more of a need for a WR than you may think. As Destin pointed out, Brown is signed to just a one-year contract, and Rice has a suspension looming that he will likely have to serve during the 2025 season. Having Egbuka to fill in for Rice while he's gone would be keep the offense rolling, and Egbuka could take Brown's place in 2026 and beyond.
Egbuka is primarily a slot receiver who is an excellent route runner and is sure-handed. He has a great blend of size and speed at 6-foot-1 and a 40-yard dash time of 4.4. He would be a natural fit in coach Andy Reid's offense and could contribute on special teams as a rookie. The Chiefs could select one of many different positions at No. 31, but Egbuka would be a really solid choice if available.
