Kansas City Chiefs (Last Year: 15-2)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: Though the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl last year, they still had some glaring weaknesses. The offensive line was in shambles, and the situation could be even worse with Joe Thuney gone. The Chiefs also need a nose tackle to help their run defense, as well as a receiver to make the offense more explosive.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Chiefs took a big risk with the final pick in the opening round. They drafted Josh Simmons, who is coming off a torn patella tendon. Patella tendon tears have ended many careers, and there’s a chance Simmons will never be able to play well again. However, if Simmons recovers, he could be a franchise left tackle for the team. While this is a big gamble, most draft picks are often risks, so the Chiefs did well to shoot for the upside.
Kansas City used its next two picks on the defensive line, perhaps realizing that generating the best pass rush possible will allow them to rattle other quarterbacks, much like the Eagles did to Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Omar Norman-Lott provided solid value in the second frame, though Ashton Gillotte wasn’t nearly as much of a bargain.
The Chiefs made two excellent picks on Saturday, with Jalen Royals being their top acquisition. Royals could have easily been taken in Round 3, so perhaps he’ll be able to become a viable threat for Mahomes.
Overall, Kansas City did a very good job in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team addressed needs, and only one of its seven picks was graded worse than a B+.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
32. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State – A- Grade
This is a scary pick. Josh Simmons tore his patella tendon, an injury that has ended many NFL careers. Reports indicate that Simmons is doing well medically, but it’s difficult to know if that’s legit. However, the Chiefs needed to take a risk to fix Patrick Mahomes’ pass protection with so many offensive linemen off the board. If Simmons is healthy, he’ll be amazing for the Chiefs. He would have been a top-10 lock if he didn’t have any medical issues.
63. Omar Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee – B+ Grade
The Chiefs need offensive line more than anything, but they also had to find a defensive tackle to play next to Chris Jones. Omar Norman-Lott could be a quality starter. He’s a smaller defensive tackle, but gets good pressure on the quarterback. He makes sense at the bottom of Round 2.
66. Ashton Gillotte, DE, Louisville – C Grade
Ashton Gillotte was very productive at Louisville, but I don’t know if he’ll translate to the NFL. He has height and length issues, so the upside may not be there. Still, he improved each year in college, so perhaps he’ll defy the odds.
85. Nohl Williams, CB, California – B+ Grade
Nohl Williams is a tough cornerback with nice size. He received lots of interest late in the pre-draft process, so I’m not surprised to see him go in the third round. The Chiefs needed a cornerback, so this pick makes sense.
133. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State – A+ Grade
I love this pick for multiple reasons. Jalen Royals was someone I projected in the third round, so I really like the value. This also fills a big need, as the Chiefs have either injury-prone or troubled receivers. This is a great selection.
156. Jeffery Bassa, LB, Oregon – A Grade
There are a number of great value picks being made in Round 5, and this is one of them. I had Jeffery Bassa in Rounds 3-4, so it’s great that the Chiefs were able to get him in the middle of the fifth frame. Bassa is a quick and instinctive linebacker who has a decent chance of becoming a starter down the road.
228. Brashard Smith, RB, SMU – B+ Grade
The Chiefs traded into this pick to draft some needed running back depth. Brashard Smith is a solid pick here, as he has positive receiving ability.
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